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A life cycle energy model for representing electric (EV) and internal combustion energy (TCV) vehicles is presented. The full life cycle energy for each vehicle is computed including the material production, vehicle assembly, operation, maintenance, delivery, scrapping and recycling contributions. It is found that the modelled electric vehicle (sodium sulphur battery system) consumes 24% less life cycle energy than a functionally equivalent (in carrying capacity and life time distance) gasoline powered internal combustion energy vehicle. In fact, the ICV would have to operate at 50 MPG to be as operationally energy efficient as the EV. However, it should be noted that the EV is not the performance equivalent of the ICV; the former has a lower acceleration, a shorter range, a much longer “refueling time”, and a considerably greater cost. Overall, atmospheric emissions for the EV are lower than those for the ICV, though the former does generate more acid rain gases.