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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles produce nearly five times greater global warming pollution than official data indicate, as per a recent analysis.

Growing Discrepancy Between Official and Actual CO2 Output

Statistics shows that PHEVs release only one-fifth lower CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel vehicles, according to research conducted by a advocacy group. This contrasts significantly with lab estimates, which assumed a three-quarters reduction in pollution.

Researchers examined information from onboard fuel consumption meters of 800,000 cars registered in Europe from 2021 and 2023. They found that actual CO₂ emissions from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than lab estimates, up from three and a half times in 2021.

“Real-world CO2 output are increasing, while official figures are decreasing,” stated a lead analyst participating in the study. “This discrepancy is growing and creates a significant problem. Consequently, PHEVs emit nearly as heavily as petrol cars.”

Key Reasons Behind the Discrepancy

Analysts attributed the majority of the difference to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the ratio of kilometers travelled in battery mode compared to overall mileage. They determined that only 27% of travel was completed in EV mode, whereas lab assumptions assumed 84%.

Even, when running in electric mode, emission levels were well above official estimates. This occurred because EV motors were insufficiently powerful sufficient to operate alone, leading to engines using gasoline for almost a third of the distance covered in EV mode.

Policy and Financial Consequences

Based on estimates, the lowballing of PHEV CO2 output enabled four large carmaker companies to escape over €5bn in penalties between 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying adherence with European Union average fleet CO₂ standards.

Furthermore, drivers of PHEVs could spend approximately €500 extra annually in operating costs than is assumed under laboratory tests.

“The bold claims that manufacturers often promote about their plug-in hybrid cars are obviously far from the mark,” stated a transport expert. “Buyers are being duped into believing that by purchasing a PHEV, they are benefiting the planet and saving money. In reality, PHEVs are only slightly better than regular gas and diesel cars in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and running expenses.”

Political Debate and Industry Lobbying

Hybrid cars have recently been brought again into political debates as automakers have pressed the European Union to relax CO₂ targets. A proposed prohibition on new internal combustion cars in 2035 has faced intense pressure from the car sector and resistance from EU countries with large car manufacturing.

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

An independent energy policy specialist, who was not involved with the research, called the report a “very useful addition” after years in which segments of the car sector claimed there was insufficient information to properly evaluate actual CO2 output.

“The results demonstrate, without question, that the difference between lab and real-world PHEV energy use and CO₂ output is much, much greater than for petrol or diesel vehicles,” they said. “Any policy adjustments regarding PHEVs should be implemented with utmost caution and considering this data.”