Plug-in Hybrid electric Vehicles Emit Almost as Much as Gasoline Cars, Study Finds
PHEVs produce nearly five times more global warming emissions than lab-reported data show, as per a new report.
Growing Gap Between Official and Actual CO2 Output
Statistics reveals that PHEVs emit just one-fifth less CO2 than traditional gas and diesel vehicles, according to research carried out by a non-profit group. This differs significantly with lab tests, which suggested a three-quarters reduction in pollution.
Analysts studied information from onboard fuel consumption monitors of eight hundred thousand vehicles sold in Europe between 2021 and 2023. They found that actual CO2 output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than lab figures, increased from three and a half times in 2021.
“Real-world CO2 output are increasing, while lab-reported emissions are decreasing,” stated a lead analyst involved in the study. “This gap is widening and poses a significant issue. As a result, PHEVs pollute nearly as much as gasoline cars.”
Key Factors Driving the Emissions Gap
Researchers linked the majority of the difference to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the ratio of miles driven in battery mode compared to total distance. They found that only 27% of driving was completed in electric mode, whereas lab assumptions assumed over four-fifths.
Even, when running in electric mode, emission levels were well above lab estimates. That happened because EV motors were insufficiently powerful enough to function independently, leading to combustion motors using fossil fuels for nearly one-third of the distance completed in electric mode.
Regulatory and Financial Implications
Based on calculations, the lowballing of PHEV CO2 output enabled several large carmaker groups to avoid over €5bn in penalties from 2021 and 2023, by artificially simplifying adherence with European Union average fleet CO2 targets.
Additionally, owners of PHEVs would spend approximately €500 extra per year in running expenses than would be estimated under lab tests.
“The bold statements that automakers like to make about their PHEV cars are obviously far from the truth,” stated a transport expert. “Buyers are being misled into thinking that by purchasing a PHEV, they are helping the planet and saving costs. In reality, PHEVs are only slightly better than standard petrol and diesel cars in terms of fuel use, CO2 emissions, and operating costs.”
Policy Discussion and Automotive Lobbying
Hybrid cars have lately been brought back into political discussions as automakers have lobbied the European Union to weaken CO2 targets. A planned prohibition on sales of new combustion engine vehicles in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the car industry and resistance from member states with significant automotive manufacturing.
Some high-level officials have suggested plug-in hybrids as a potential “compromise” option to introduce in the legislation.
One independent energy policy specialist, who was unaffiliated with the study, described the report a “very useful contribution” after a long period in which segments of the car sector claimed there was insufficient information to properly assess actual CO2 output.
“The results demonstrate, without question, that the gap in official and real-world PHEV fuel consumption and CO2 output is significantly larger than for petrol or diesel cars,” they said. “All policy changes concerning PHEVs should be implemented with extreme caution and considering this evidence.”
