Many consider plug-in hybrids to be an environmentally friendly option, but the latest analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany shows that this is not correct.
The study, based on an evaluation of data from over a million vehicles and published by SWR, shows that what appears to be “clean” driving does not protect the climate.
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute have discovered a detail that even experts are concerned about. Until now, it was believed that plug-in hybrids that drive in electric mode do not consume gasoline or consume extremely little.
The data belies this. Even in electric mode, vehicles consume an average of three liters of fuel. Internal combustion engines are switched on much more often than expected. Patrick Plotz from the Fraunhofer Institute describes this situation as – shock.
Plug-in hybrids combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The battery is charged from an electrical outlet, but its weight, which is hundreds of kilograms, increases consumption once the battery runs out.
Experts often call these systems pure marketing. For example, Porsche’s plug-in hybrid models consume around seven liters of gasoline in what is called electric mode. Porsche states that it adheres to the legally prescribed measurement methods.
The consequences of this discovery could cost the automotive industry billions of euros. Until now, companies have used low laboratory values to avoid fines for excess CO2 emissions. Scientists are now calling for change: the EU should measure consumption on the road and not just in the laboratory. The technology should no longer be promoted with taxpayers’ money. /Telegraph/