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PHEVs emit almost five times more global warming emissions than lab-reported figures indicate, as per a new analysis.

Widening Gap In Official and Real-World Emissions

Data shows that PHEVs emit just one-fifth lower CO₂ than conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, according to research conducted by a advocacy group. That contrasts significantly with laboratory estimates, which suggested a 75% reduction in emissions.

Analysts examined information from onboard energy use meters of 800,000 vehicles registered in the EU between 2021 and 2023. The team discovered that real-world CO₂ emissions from PHEVs in 2023 were 4.9 times greater than official figures, increased from 3.5 times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are increasing, while lab-reported emissions are falling,” said a senior researcher participating in the study. “This discrepancy is widening and creates a significant issue. As a result, PHEVs emit almost as much as gasoline vehicles.”

Key Reasons Driving the Emissions Gap

Analysts linked the majority of the difference to overestimates of the “electric driving share” – the ratio of miles travelled in battery mode compared to total mileage. They found that just 27% of travel was completed in EV mode, while lab assumptions suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when running in EV mode, pollution levels were significantly higher than official estimates. That happened because EV motors were not strong enough to operate independently, resulting to engines using gasoline for nearly one-third of the distance covered in EV mode.

Policy and Financial Consequences

Based on estimates, the lowballing of PHEV CO2 output enabled several large automaker groups to avoid over €5bn in fines between 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying compliance with European Union average fleet CO₂ standards.

Furthermore, owners of PHEVs would pay about €500 more per year in running expenses than would be estimated under lab tests.

“The strong statements that automakers like to make about their PHEV cars are clearly far from the truth,” commented a automotive expert. “Consumers are being misled into thinking that by buying a PHEV, they are benefiting the environment and cutting money. In reality, PHEVs are only slightly improved than regular gas and diesel cars in terms of energy consumption, CO₂ production, and running expenses.”

Political Discussion and Automotive Pressure

Plug-in hybrid vehicles have lately been brought again into political debates as carmakers have pressed the European Union to relax CO₂ standards. A planned ban on new internal combustion vehicles in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the car sector and resistance from EU countries with large automotive manufacturing.

Several senior officials have proposed PHEVs as a potential “flexibility” solution to introduce in the regulation.

An independent energy economics expert, who was unaffiliated with the study, described the analysis a “highly valuable contribution” after years in which segments of the car sector argued there was too little information to properly assess real-world emissions.

“These findings demonstrate, without question, that the difference between official and real-world PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ output is significantly larger than for gasoline or diesel cars,” they stated. “All regulatory changes regarding PHEVs should be implemented with utmost care and considering that evidence.”