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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles release nearly five times more global warming pollution than lab-reported figures indicate, as per a recent analysis.

Growing Discrepancy In Lab and Actual Emissions

Data shows that PHEVs release just 19% lower CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel cars, according to research carried out by a advocacy organization. This contrasts significantly with laboratory estimates, which assumed a three-quarters decrease in emissions.

Researchers examined information from in-vehicle energy use meters of eight hundred thousand cars registered in the EU from 2021 and 2023. They discovered that real-world CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than lab figures, increased from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual emissions are increasing, while official emissions are decreasing,” said a lead researcher participating in the report. “This gap is growing and creates a serious issue. Consequently, PHEVs pollute almost as much as gasoline cars.”

Key Reasons Driving the Emissions Gap

Analysts attributed the majority of the gap to overestimates of the “electric driving share” – the percentage of miles travelled in electric mode compared to total mileage. They determined that just a quarter of travel was completed in EV mode, while official estimates suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when operating in electric mode, pollution levels were significantly higher than lab projections. That occurred because electric motors were not strong enough to operate independently, leading to engines using gasoline for almost a third of the distance completed in EV mode.

Policy and Economic Implications

Based on calculations, the lowballing of PHEV emissions allowed four major carmaker companies to escape over €5bn in fines between 2021 and 2023, by artificially easing adherence with European Union fleet-average CO₂ targets.

Additionally, owners of PHEVs could spend approximately €500 more annually in running expenses than would be estimated under lab conditions.

“The bold claims that automakers often promote about their plug-in hybrid cars are obviously way off the mark,” stated a automotive analyst. “Consumers are being misled into thinking that by purchasing a PHEV, they are benefiting the environment and cutting costs. In reality, PHEVs are only slightly better than regular gas and diesel vehicles in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating expenses.”

Political Debate and Automotive Lobbying

Hybrid cars have recently been brought back into policy discussions as carmakers have lobbied the European Union to relax CO₂ standards. A proposed prohibition on sales of new combustion engine vehicles in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the car industry and resistance from EU countries with significant car manufacturing.

Some senior officials have proposed plug-in hybrids as a potential “flexibility” option to include in the legislation.

An independent energy policy expert, who was unaffiliated with the study, called the report a “very useful contribution” after a long period in which segments of the car industry argued there was insufficient information to accurately assess real-world emissions.

“These findings show, without question, that the gap between lab and real-world PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ output is significantly greater than for gasoline or diesel vehicles,” they said. “Any policy changes concerning PHEVs should be implemented with utmost caution and in the light of this evidence.”