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Plug-in hybrid cars produce nearly 5x more global warming pollution than lab-reported figures indicate, as per a new report.

Widening Gap In Official and Actual Emissions

Data reveals that PHEVs release just one-fifth less CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel vehicles, based on research carried out by a non-profit group. This differs sharply with laboratory estimates, which suggested a 75% reduction in pollution.

Researchers studied data from in-vehicle fuel consumption meters of 800,000 vehicles sold in Europe from 2021 and 2023. They discovered that real-world CO₂ emissions from PHEVs in 2023 were 4.9 times greater than official figures, increased from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are rising, while official figures are falling,” stated a senior researcher involved in the study. “That discrepancy is widening and poses a significant problem. Consequently, PHEVs emit nearly as heavily as gasoline cars.”

Primary Factors Driving the Discrepancy

Researchers attributed the majority of the difference to inflated estimates of the “utility factor” – the percentage of miles travelled in electric power compared to overall distance. The team found that only 27% of driving was completed in EV mode, whereas official estimates suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when operating in electric mode, pollution levels were significantly higher than lab estimates. This occurred because electric motors were not strong sufficient to function alone, resulting to combustion motors burning fossil fuels for almost a third of the travel covered in electric mode.

Regulatory and Economic Implications

Based on estimates, the underestimation of PHEV emissions enabled four large carmaker companies to escape more than €5bn in fines from 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying compliance with European Union fleet-average CO₂ standards.

Furthermore, owners of PHEVs would pay about €500 extra annually in operating expenses than would be assumed under lab tests.

“The bold statements that automakers often promote about their PHEV cars are clearly far from the mark,” stated a automotive analyst. “Consumers are being duped into thinking that by buying a PHEV, they are benefiting the planet and saving money. In reality, PHEVs are little better than standard gas and diesel vehicles in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ production, and running expenses.”

Political Debate and Automotive Pressure

Hybrid cars have recently been brought back into political debates as carmakers have pressed the EU to weaken CO₂ standards. A proposed ban on sales of new internal combustion vehicles in 2035 has faced intense pressure from the car industry and opposition from member states with significant car manufacturing.

Some senior officials have proposed plug-in hybrids as a possible “flexibility” option to include in the regulation.

One independent energy policy specialist, who was unaffiliated with the study, called the report a “very useful contribution” after a long period in which parts of the automotive sector claimed there was insufficient data to accurately evaluate real-world emissions.

“The results demonstrate, without question, that the difference in lab and actual PHEV energy use and CO₂ emissions is much, much greater than for petrol or conventional vehicles,” the expert stated. “All policy changes concerning PHEVs should be made with utmost care and in the light of that evidence.”