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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles emit nearly five times greater planet-heating emissions than official data indicate, as per a recent analysis.

Growing Discrepancy In Lab and Real-World CO2 Output

Data shows that PHEVs emit only one-fifth less CO₂ than conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, based on analysis conducted by a advocacy organization. That contrasts significantly with laboratory estimates, which suggested a 75% decrease in pollution.

Researchers examined information from onboard fuel consumption monitors of eight hundred thousand vehicles sold in the EU from 2021 and 2023. The team found that real-world CO₂ emissions from PHEVs in 2023 were 4.9 times higher than official estimates, increased from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual emissions are rising, while official figures are falling,” stated a lead analyst participating in the report. “This gap is growing and creates a serious issue. Consequently, PHEVs pollute nearly as much as petrol vehicles.”

Key Reasons Behind the Emissions Gap

Researchers attributed the majority of the difference to inflated estimates of the “utility factor” – the percentage of miles travelled in battery mode compared to total mileage. They determined that just a quarter of driving was done in electric mode, while official estimates suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when running in EV mode, emission amounts were significantly higher than lab projections. That happened because electric motors were insufficiently powerful enough to operate independently, leading to combustion motors using gasoline for almost one-third of the travel covered in EV mode.

Regulatory and Economic Consequences

According to calculations, the lowballing of PHEV emissions allowed several major automaker companies to avoid over €5bn in fines between 2021 and 2023, by artificially easing adherence with European Union average fleet CO₂ targets.

Furthermore, drivers of PHEVs would spend about €500 extra annually in operating costs than would be estimated under laboratory conditions.

“The strong claims that manufacturers like to make about their plug-in hybrid cars are obviously way off the mark,” stated a automotive analyst. “Buyers are being duped into believing that by purchasing a PHEV, they are benefiting the planet and cutting costs. In reality, PHEVs are little improved than regular petrol and diesel cars in terms of fuel use, CO₂ emissions, and operating expenses.”

Political Discussion and Industry Lobbying

Plug-in hybrid cars have recently been drawn back into political discussions as automakers have pressed the European Union to weaken CO₂ standards. A proposed ban on sales of new combustion engine cars in 2035 has faced intense pressure from the car industry and resistance from EU countries with large automotive industries.

Several high-level officials have suggested plug-in hybrids as a potential “flexibility” solution to introduce in the legislation.

One independent energy economics specialist, who was not involved with the research, called the analysis a “highly valuable addition” after years in which segments of the automotive industry claimed there was insufficient data to accurately evaluate actual emissions.

“The results demonstrate, beyond any doubt, that the gap in lab and real-world PHEV energy use and CO₂ emissions is much, much larger than for petrol or diesel vehicles,” they stated. “Any regulatory changes concerning PHEVs should be implemented with utmost care and in the light of that evidence.”