Materials and Production:
1. Steel and Aluminum Production: The extraction and processing of raw materials, such as iron ore and bauxite (for aluminum), result in CO2 emissions. The production of steel and aluminum for a car can generate around 10-15 tons of CO2.
2. Other Materials: The manufacturing of various components like plastics, rubber, glass, and electronics also contributes to CO2 emissions. These processes can add several tons of CO2 to the car's carbon footprint.
3. Assembly: The assembly process itself involves energy consumption and transportation of parts, leading to further emissions. This phase can account for a few tons of CO2.
Vehicle Weight and Efficiency:
1. Weight Impact: Heavier vehicles require more materials and energy to manufacture, resulting in higher CO2 emissions. For instance, a larger SUV might generate more emissions compared to a smaller sedan.
2. Fuel Efficiency: The car's fuel efficiency also plays a role. More fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids or electric vehicles, generally have a lower carbon footprint during their manufacturing phase due to reduced emissions from engine production and assembly.
Therefore, the total CO2 emissions associated with building a car can range from approximately 10-25 tons, depending on the specific vehicle model and its manufacturing processes. It's important to note that these estimates do not include the CO2 emissions generated during the car's use and maintenance over its lifetime.
