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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles produce almost 5x greater planet-heating pollution than lab-reported figures show, as per a recent report.

Growing Gap Between Lab and Real-World Emissions

Data shows that PHEVs emit just 19% lower CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel vehicles, based on research carried out by a non-profit organization. This contrasts sharply with laboratory estimates, which suggested a three-quarters reduction in emissions.

Researchers examined data from onboard fuel consumption monitors of 800,000 cars sold in Europe between 2021 and 2023. They discovered that real-world CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were 4.9 times higher than official figures, up from 3.5 times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are increasing, while official figures are decreasing,” said a lead analyst involved in the report. “This gap is growing and poses a significant problem. Consequently, PHEVs emit nearly as much as petrol vehicles.”

Primary Factors Behind the Discrepancy

Researchers attributed most of the gap to inflated estimates of the “utility factor” – the ratio of kilometers driven in electric power compared to total distance. The team found that only a quarter of travel was completed in electric mode, while official assumptions suggested over four-fifths.

Additionally, when running in electric mode, emission levels were well above lab estimates. That happened because EV motors were not strong sufficient to function independently, leading to combustion motors burning gasoline for almost a third of the distance completed in EV mode.

Regulatory and Economic Implications

According to calculations, the lowballing of PHEV emissions allowed four large carmaker groups to escape more than €5bn in penalties between 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying adherence with EU average fleet CO₂ targets.

Additionally, owners of PHEVs could pay about €500 extra annually in operating expenses than is assumed under lab conditions.

“The bold claims that manufacturers often promote about their PHEV cars are clearly far from the mark,” stated a transport analyst. “Buyers are being duped into thinking that by buying a PHEV, they are benefiting the planet and saving costs. In reality, PHEVs are little improved than regular gas and diesel cars in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ production, and running expenses.”

Political Debate and Industry Lobbying

Hybrid cars have lately been drawn back into political debates as automakers have lobbied the EU to weaken CO₂ targets. A proposed prohibition on new internal combustion cars in 2035 has faced intense pressure from the automotive industry and opposition from EU countries with significant automotive industries.

Some high-level officials have proposed PHEVs as a potential “flexibility” option to include in the legislation.

One external energy policy specialist, who was unaffiliated with the research, called the report a “highly valuable addition” after a long period in which segments of the automotive industry claimed there was insufficient data to properly assess real-world emissions.

“These findings show, without question, that the difference in lab and actual PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ output is much, much greater than for petrol or diesel cars,” the expert stated. “Any regulatory changes concerning PHEVs should be made with utmost care and considering this evidence.”