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PHEVs release nearly 5x greater planet-heating emissions than lab-reported figures show, as per a recent analysis.

Growing Gap Between Lab and Actual CO2 Output

Statistics shows that PHEVs emit just 19% lower CO₂ than traditional petrol and diesel cars, according to research conducted by a non-profit group. This contrasts sharply with laboratory estimates, which suggested a 75% decrease in emissions.

Researchers examined data from onboard energy use meters of 800,000 vehicles registered in the EU between 2021 and 2023. They discovered that real-world CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times higher than lab estimates, increased from 3.5 times in 2021.

“Real-world emissions are increasing, while official figures are decreasing,” said a lead analyst involved in the study. “This discrepancy is growing and creates a significant problem. Consequently, PHEVs pollute almost as much as gasoline cars.”

Primary Factors Behind the Discrepancy

Researchers linked the majority of the difference to overestimates of the “utility factor” – the ratio of miles driven in electric mode relative to overall distance. They found that just 27% of travel was completed in EV mode, while lab assumptions suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when operating in EV mode, pollution levels were well above official projections. That occurred because EV motors were not strong enough to operate alone, leading to combustion motors burning fossil fuels for nearly one-third of the distance completed in electric mode.

Regulatory and Financial Consequences

According to estimates, the underestimation of PHEV CO2 output enabled several large carmaker companies to escape more than €5bn in penalties between 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying adherence with European Union fleet-average CO₂ standards.

Additionally, drivers of PHEVs would spend approximately €500 more annually in running costs than would be assumed under laboratory conditions.

“The bold statements that manufacturers often promote about their PHEV cars are obviously way off the truth,” commented a transport expert. “Buyers are being duped into believing that by purchasing a PHEV, they are benefiting the environment and saving money. Actually, PHEVs are only slightly better than regular petrol and diesel vehicles in terms of energy consumption, CO₂ production, and operating expenses.”

Policy Discussion and Industry Lobbying

Hybrid vehicles have lately been brought back into political discussions as carmakers have lobbied the EU to relax CO₂ standards. A proposed prohibition on sales of new internal combustion cars in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the automotive sector and resistance from member states with significant car manufacturing.

Some senior officials have suggested PHEVs as a possible “flexibility” option to include in the regulation.

An independent energy policy expert, who was not involved with the research, called the report a “highly valuable contribution” after years in which parts of the car sector argued there was too little data to accurately evaluate actual emissions.

“These findings show, without question, that the gap between lab and actual PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions is much, much greater than for petrol or diesel vehicles,” the expert stated. “All regulatory adjustments concerning PHEVs should be made with utmost care and in the light of that evidence.”