Plug in Hybrid Vehicles Emit Nearly as Much as Petrol Cars, Report Reveals
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles emit nearly 5x greater planet-heating emissions than official data indicate, as per a new analysis.
Widening Discrepancy Between Lab and Actual CO2 Output
Data shows that PHEVs emit just 19% less CO2 than conventional petrol and diesel cars, according to analysis carried out by a advocacy organization. That differs significantly with lab estimates, which assumed a 75% reduction in pollution.
Analysts studied data from in-vehicle fuel consumption meters of eight hundred thousand vehicles registered in Europe between 2021 and 2023. They found that actual CO2 output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than official estimates, increased from 3.5 times in 2021.
“Actual emissions are rising, while official emissions are falling,” said a lead researcher participating in the report. “That gap is widening and poses a significant issue. Consequently, PHEVs emit nearly as much as petrol vehicles.”
Key Factors Driving the Discrepancy
Analysts attributed the majority of the gap to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the ratio of kilometers driven in electric mode compared to total mileage. The team found that only 27% of travel was done in electric mode, while official assumptions suggested over four-fifths.
Additionally, when running in electric mode, emission levels were significantly higher than official estimates. This happened because EV motors were not strong enough to function independently, leading to engines burning gasoline for nearly one-third of the travel completed in electric mode.
Regulatory and Economic Consequences
According to estimates, the lowballing of PHEV emissions enabled several major automaker companies to escape more than €5bn in penalties between 2021 and 2023, by artificially simplifying adherence with EU average fleet CO2 targets.
Additionally, owners of PHEVs would spend about €500 extra per year in running expenses than is assumed under lab tests.
“The strong claims that manufacturers often promote about their PHEV vehicles are obviously far from the mark,” commented a transport analyst. “Consumers are being misled into believing that by purchasing a PHEV, they are benefiting the environment and saving money. In reality, PHEVs are little improved than regular petrol and diesel vehicles in terms of energy consumption, CO2 production, and operating expenses.”
Political Discussion and Industry Lobbying
Plug-in hybrid vehicles have lately been brought again into policy debates as automakers have lobbied the European Union to weaken CO2 standards. A proposed ban on sales of new combustion engine vehicles in 2035 has faced intense pressure from the automotive sector and opposition from member states with significant automotive industries.
Several high-level politicians have suggested plug-in hybrids as a possible “compromise” option to include in the legislation.
One independent energy economics specialist, who was not involved with the study, called the analysis a “highly valuable addition” after a long period in which segments of the automotive sector claimed there was insufficient information to accurately assess actual emissions.
“The results show, without question, that the difference in official and real-world PHEV energy use and CO2 output is significantly greater than for gasoline or diesel cars,” the expert said. “Any policy adjustments concerning PHEVs should be made with utmost caution and considering this evidence.”
