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The short-term future direction of the automotive transportation sector is uncertain. Many governments and environmental localities around the world are proposing internal combustion engine (ICE) bans and enacting large subsidy programs for zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles powered by batteries or fuel-cells. Such policies can be effective in driving the consumer towards specific powertrains. The reason for such aggressive change is to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. However, it is not clear if these proposals will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and power generation are shadowed by the focus on reducing the reliance on fossil fuel use. Emissions from non-tailpipe sources should also be considered before pushing for a rapid change to powertrains. Life-cycle analysis (LCA) can assess the GHG emissions produced before, during and after the life of a vehicle in a cradle-to-grave analysis.