Plug-in Hybrids Pollute Almost as Much as Petrol Cars | Shocking Report
New research exposes the surprising truth about plug-in hybrids. Are they really eco-friendly? A recent study has revealed a shocking revelation about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, PHEVs. They might not be as environmentally friendly as we thought. The research conducted by the Transport and Environment Nonprofit Advocacy Group found that PHEVs emit nearly five times more planet heating pollution than official figures suggest. This finding challenges the common belief that PHEVs are a greener alternative to traditional combustion engine cars. The cars which can run on electric batteries and combustion engines have been marketed as a solution for long-d distanceance travel while reducing emissions. However, the study’s analysis of data from 800,000 European cars between 2021 and 2023 tells a different story. It found that PHEVs emit only 19% less CO2 than petrol and diesel cars. A stark contrast to the 75% reduction suggested by laboratory tests. The researchers identified a significant issue. The utility factor. The ratio of miles traveled in electric mode to the total miles traveled was overestimated. As a result, 27% of driving was assumed to be an electric mode whereas the actual figure was much lower. This discrepancy means that PHEVs are polluting almost as much as petrol cars. A concerning revelation for environmentalists. The study also highlighted that even when PHEVs are driven in electric mode, their pollution levels are higher than official estimates. Electric motors, it seems, are not powerful enough to operate solely on electricity with their engines burning fossil fuels for almost 1/3 of the distance traveled in electric mode. Despite the findings, experts like Patrick Pletz from the Franhaer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research believe the study is a valuable contribution. He emphasizes the need for careful policy changes regarding PHEVs given the significant gap between official and real world emissions. The political landscape surrounding hybrid cars is complex. As car makers lobby to weaken CO2 targets, the debate intensifies. The German chancellor Friedrich Mertz has pledged to protect the industry while other politicians consider plug-in hybrids as potential flexibilities in legislation. However, the study’s implications are farreaching, suggesting that PHEVs may not live up to their eco-friendly claims. The researchers calculated that the underestimate of PHEV emissions has led to substantial financial savings for car manufacturers, avoiding fines worth over 5 billion between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, drivers of PHEVs are likely paying more in running costs than suggested by laboratory tests. Colin Walker, a transport analyst, warns that consumers are being misled. He states that PHEVs are not significantly better than regular petrol and diesel cars in terms of fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and running costs. This revelation raises questions about the future of PHEVs and the need for more transparent and accurate information in the automotive industry.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles PHEVs emissions pollution CO2 real-world vs lab tests automotive industry EU regulations carbon dioxide fossil fuels electric mode utility factor carmakers fines fleet targets running costs consumer deception environment savings
Discover why plug-in hybrids are not as green as advertised. A new report reveals PHEVs emit nearly 5 times more planet-heating CO2 than official figures suggest. Learn about the gap between lab tests and real-world driving, overestimated electric mode usage, and how this impacts climate goals.
Key findings include real-world emissions being 4.9 times higher in 2023 compared to 2021, with only 27% of driving in electric mode versus assumed 84%. Experts weigh in on the automotive industry’s lobbying and potential policy changes to weaken CO2 targets.
Understand the financial implications, such as avoided fines over €5bn and higher running costs for drivers. Is buying a PHEV really helping the environment or just lining carmakers’ pockets?
Explore the debate on combustion engine bans, EU flexibility options, and why PHEVs might pollute almost as much as traditional petrol cars.
