Plug in Hybrid electric Vehicles Pollute Nearly as Heavily as Petrol Vehicles, Report Finds

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles produce almost 5x greater planet-heating emissions than official data show, according to a recent analysis.

Growing Gap Between Lab and Real-World CO2 Output

Statistics shows that PHEVs release just one-fifth lower CO₂ than conventional petrol and diesel cars, based on research conducted by a advocacy organization. That contrasts significantly with lab estimates, which suggested a 75% reduction in emissions.

Analysts examined data from in-vehicle energy use meters of eight hundred thousand cars sold in Europe from 2021 and 2023. The team discovered that real-world CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than lab estimates, increased from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are rising, while official emissions are decreasing,” stated a senior researcher involved in the study. “That gap is widening and poses a significant problem. As a result, PHEVs emit nearly as much as gasoline vehicles.”

Primary Factors Driving the Discrepancy

Researchers linked most of the difference to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the percentage of miles driven in electric power compared to overall distance. The team found that only a quarter of driving was done in electric mode, whereas lab assumptions suggested over four-fifths.

Additionally, when running in electric mode, emission amounts were well above official estimates. That occurred because electric motors were not strong enough to function independently, resulting to engines using gasoline for almost one-third of the distance covered in EV mode.

Regulatory and Economic Consequences

According to estimates, the lowballing of PHEV CO2 output allowed several large carmaker companies to avoid over €5bn in penalties between 2021 and 2023, by falsely easing adherence with European Union fleet-average CO₂ standards.

Furthermore, owners of PHEVs could spend approximately €500 more annually in running expenses than would be assumed under lab conditions.

“The strong statements that automakers often promote about their PHEV vehicles are obviously way off the truth,” stated a automotive expert. “Consumers are being misled into thinking that by purchasing a PHEV, they are helping the planet and saving money. Actually, PHEVs are only slightly improved than standard petrol and diesel vehicles in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ production, and running costs.”

Policy Discussion and Automotive Pressure

Hybrid cars have lately been drawn again into policy discussions as carmakers have lobbied the EU to relax CO₂ targets. A planned ban on new combustion engine vehicles in 2035 has faced intense pressure from the automotive industry and resistance from member states with significant automotive manufacturing.

Several senior politicians have suggested plug-in hybrids as a possible “compromise” option to include in the legislation.

An external energy economics expert, who was not involved with the study, called the report a “highly valuable contribution” after a long period in which segments of the automotive industry claimed there was insufficient data to accurately assess actual CO2 output.

“The results demonstrate, beyond any doubt, that the gap in lab and real-world PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions is significantly larger than for petrol or conventional vehicles,” they said. “Any policy adjustments concerning PHEVs should be made with extreme care and considering that evidence.”