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PHEVs release almost five times more global warming pollution than official data indicate, as per a recent report.

Growing Gap Between Lab and Actual Emissions

Data reveals that PHEVs emit only one-fifth less CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel cars, according to analysis conducted by a advocacy group. That differs sharply with laboratory tests, which suggested a three-quarters decrease in emissions.

Analysts examined information from in-vehicle fuel consumption meters of 800,000 cars sold in Europe from 2021 and 2023. The team found that real-world CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than lab estimates, up from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are rising, while lab-reported figures are falling,” stated a lead researcher participating in the report. “This discrepancy is widening and creates a significant issue. Consequently, PHEVs pollute almost as much as gasoline cars.”

Primary Reasons Behind the Emissions Gap

Researchers attributed the majority of the difference to inflated estimates of the “utility factor” – the percentage of miles driven in electric power relative to total distance. The team found that only 27% of driving was completed in electric mode, whereas lab assumptions suggested 84%.

Even, when running in EV mode, emission amounts were well above official projections. That happened because electric motors were not strong sufficient to operate independently, resulting to engines burning fossil fuels for nearly a third of the distance completed in electric mode.

Regulatory and Economic Consequences

Based on estimates, the lowballing of PHEV CO2 output allowed four large automaker companies to escape over €5bn in fines between 2021 and 2023, by artificially simplifying compliance with EU fleet-average CO₂ standards.

Additionally, drivers of PHEVs could pay approximately €500 extra per year in running expenses than would be assumed under laboratory conditions.

“The strong statements that manufacturers often promote about their PHEV vehicles are obviously far from the truth,” commented a automotive analyst. “Consumers are being misled into believing that by purchasing a PHEV, they are helping the planet and cutting costs. In reality, PHEVs are little improved than standard petrol and diesel cars in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ production, and operating expenses.”

Policy Discussion and Automotive Lobbying

Hybrid vehicles have recently been drawn back into policy discussions as carmakers have lobbied the EU to weaken CO₂ standards. A planned prohibition on sales of new combustion engine cars in 2035 has faced heavy lobbying from the car sector and opposition from member states with large automotive industries.

Several high-level officials have suggested plug-in hybrids as a potential “flexibility” solution to introduce in the regulation.

An independent energy economics specialist, who was not involved with the research, called the analysis a “very useful contribution” after years in which segments of the car industry claimed there was insufficient information to accurately evaluate real-world emissions.

“These findings demonstrate, without question, that the difference between lab and actual PHEV energy use and CO₂ emissions is significantly larger than for petrol or conventional vehicles,” they said. “Any regulatory changes concerning PHEVs should be made with extreme caution and considering this evidence.”