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Plug-in hybrid cars emit almost 5x more global warming pollution than lab-reported figures indicate, as per a recent analysis.

Widening Discrepancy Between Lab and Real-World Emissions

Statistics reveals that PHEVs release just one-fifth lower CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel cars, according to research conducted by a non-profit group. That differs sharply with lab estimates, which suggested a 75% reduction in emissions.

Analysts studied information from in-vehicle energy use meters of 800,000 cars registered in Europe between 2021 and 2023. The team discovered that real-world CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were 4.9 times greater than lab figures, increased from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are rising, while official figures are falling,” stated a lead researcher participating in the report. “This gap is widening and creates a significant problem. As a result, PHEVs pollute nearly as heavily as gasoline vehicles.”

Key Factors Driving the Emissions Gap

Analysts attributed most of the difference to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the percentage of kilometers travelled in battery power relative to total mileage. The team determined that only a quarter of driving was completed in electric mode, while lab assumptions suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when operating in electric mode, pollution amounts were well above lab estimates. This happened because EV motors were not strong sufficient to function alone, resulting to engines using fossil fuels for almost one-third of the distance completed in EV mode.

Policy and Financial Implications

According to calculations, the lowballing of PHEV emissions enabled four major automaker groups to avoid over €5bn in fines between 2021 and 2023, by falsely easing adherence with EU fleet-average CO₂ standards.

Furthermore, owners of PHEVs could spend about €500 extra annually in running expenses than would be estimated under laboratory tests.

“The strong claims that automakers like to make about their plug-in hybrid vehicles are clearly way off the truth,” stated a automotive analyst. “Consumers are being misled into believing that by purchasing a PHEV, they are benefiting the planet and saving costs. Actually, PHEVs are only slightly improved than standard gas and diesel cars in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ production, and running expenses.”

Political Discussion and Automotive Lobbying

Plug-in hybrid vehicles have recently been drawn back into political discussions as carmakers have lobbied the European Union to weaken CO₂ targets. A planned ban on sales of new combustion engine cars in 2035 has faced intense lobbying from the car sector and resistance from EU countries with large automotive industries.

Some high-level politicians have suggested PHEVs as a possible “flexibility” option to introduce in the regulation.

One external energy policy expert, who was not involved with the study, called the analysis a “very useful addition” after a long period in which parts of the car industry argued there was too little data to accurately evaluate 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 greater than for gasoline or conventional vehicles,” they said. “All regulatory changes regarding PHEVs should be implemented with extreme caution and in the light of this evidence.”