Plug-in Hybrid electric Cars Emit Almost as Much as Gasoline Vehicles, Report Finds
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles release nearly five times more global warming pollution than official figures show, according to a new analysis.
Widening Discrepancy Between Official and Real-World Emissions
Statistics shows that PHEVs emit only one-fifth less CO2 than traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, according to analysis conducted by a advocacy organization. This contrasts sharply with lab estimates, which assumed a 75% decrease in pollution.
Researchers studied information from in-vehicle fuel consumption monitors of eight hundred thousand cars registered in Europe between 2021 and 2023. The team found that real-world CO2 output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times higher than lab figures, increased from three and a half times in 2021.
“Actual emissions are increasing, while official figures are decreasing,” stated a senior researcher participating in the report. “That discrepancy is growing and poses a serious issue. As a result, PHEVs pollute almost as heavily as gasoline cars.”
Key Factors Behind the Discrepancy
Researchers linked the majority of the difference to overestimates of the “utility factor” – the percentage of miles driven in battery power compared to total distance. They determined that only a quarter of travel was completed in electric mode, while lab estimates assumed over four-fifths.
Even, when operating in electric mode, emission amounts were well above lab projections. This occurred because EV motors were not strong sufficient to function independently, resulting to engines burning gasoline for nearly one-third of the distance covered in EV mode.
Regulatory and Economic Consequences
According to estimates, the lowballing of PHEV emissions allowed several major carmaker groups to avoid over €5bn in fines between 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying adherence with European Union fleet-average CO2 standards.
Additionally, owners of PHEVs could spend approximately €500 more annually in operating costs than is assumed under lab tests.
“The bold claims that manufacturers like to make about their plug-in hybrid cars are obviously far from the truth,” stated a transport analyst. “Consumers are being duped into believing that by buying a PHEV, they are helping the environment and saving costs. Actually, PHEVs are only slightly improved than regular gas and diesel cars in terms of fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and running expenses.”
Political Discussion and Automotive Lobbying
Hybrid vehicles have recently been brought again into political discussions as carmakers have pressed the EU to weaken CO2 targets. A proposed ban on new combustion engine vehicles in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the automotive sector and opposition from member states with significant car manufacturing.
Several high-level officials have proposed plug-in hybrids as a potential “compromise” option to introduce in the legislation.
One external energy economics specialist, who was unaffiliated with the study, described the report a “highly valuable addition” after a long period in which parts of the automotive sector argued there was insufficient data to properly evaluate real-world CO2 output.
“The results show, beyond any doubt, that the difference in lab and actual PHEV energy use and CO2 emissions is significantly greater than for petrol or diesel vehicles,” the expert stated. “Any policy changes regarding PHEVs should be implemented with utmost caution and in the light of this data.”
