Study reveals plug-in hybrid fuel consumption is three times higher than claimed

https://www.32cars.ru/en/posts/id15501-study-reveals-plug-in-hybrid-fuel-consumption-is-three-times-higher-than-claimed

Plug-in hybrid fuel consumption study shows real-world inefficiency

Study reveals plug-in hybrid fuel consumption is three times higher than claimed

A major study finds plug-in hybrids use about 6 liters per 100 km, triple the WLTP claims, due to real-world driving conditions and owner charging habits.

2026-02-24T01:43:16+03:00

Plug-in hybrids have long been viewed as the perfect compromise between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. However, a major study by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute casts doubt on their real-world efficiency. Researchers analyzed telematics data from approximately one million PHEVs manufactured between 2021 and 2023.The results were surprising: average actual fuel consumption was about 6 liters per 100 kilometers, compared to the 2–2.5 liters claimed under the WLTP standard. This represents nearly a threefold difference. The reason lies in real-world driving conditions, where the combustion engine activates much more frequently than laboratory tests assume. It may start to recharge the battery, operate at higher revs for quick power delivery, or compensate for load during overtaking and in cold weather.The WLTP methodology also plays a role: the test cycle lasts only about 23 kilometers and begins with a fully charged battery. Many hybrids can cover this distance primarily on electric power, artificially lowering the final consumption figure.Interestingly, there is significant variation between brands. Larger, more powerful models, including premium crossovers, show higher consumption, while compact hybrids from mainstream brands achieve better results with regular charging.The main takeaway is straightforward: a hybrid’s efficiency depends not only on technology but also on owner discipline. If the vehicle is rarely plugged in, it essentially becomes a heavy gasoline crossover with a battery.

plug-in hybrid, PHEV, fuel consumption, WLTP, real-world efficiency, hybrid study, Fraunhofer Institute, electric vehicles

2026

news