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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles release almost five times greater global warming emissions than official data indicate, as per a recent analysis.

Widening Gap In Lab and Actual Emissions

Data reveals that PHEVs emit just 19% lower CO₂ than conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, according to research conducted by a non-profit organization. That differs sharply with laboratory estimates, which suggested a three-quarters decrease in pollution.

Researchers studied data from onboard fuel consumption meters of 800,000 cars sold in the EU between 2021 and 2023. They discovered that real-world CO₂ emissions from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times higher than official estimates, increased from 3.5 times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are rising, while official emissions are falling,” said a lead researcher participating in the report. “That discrepancy is widening and poses a serious issue. Consequently, PHEVs pollute nearly as much as petrol cars.”

Key Reasons Behind the Emissions Gap

Researchers linked the majority of the difference to overestimates of the “utility factor” – the percentage of miles driven in battery mode compared to total mileage. The team determined that just 27% of driving was completed in EV mode, while official assumptions suggested over four-fifths.

Even, when operating in electric mode, emission levels were well above lab estimates. This occurred because EV motors were not strong enough to operate independently, leading to combustion motors burning gasoline for almost one-third of the distance completed in electric mode.

Regulatory and Economic Consequences

Based on estimates, the underestimation of PHEV emissions allowed four large carmaker groups to escape over €5bn in penalties between 2021 and 2023, by falsely easing adherence with European Union fleet-average CO₂ standards.

Additionally, owners of PHEVs would pay approximately €500 extra annually in operating expenses than would be estimated under laboratory tests.

“The bold claims that automakers often promote about their PHEV cars are obviously far from the mark,” stated a automotive analyst. “Consumers are being duped into believing that by buying a PHEV, they are benefiting the planet and cutting money. In reality, PHEVs are only slightly improved than regular gas and diesel vehicles in terms of energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and running costs.”

Political Discussion and Industry Pressure

Hybrid vehicles have recently been brought again into political discussions as automakers have lobbied the European Union to weaken CO₂ targets. A proposed ban on new combustion engine cars in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the automotive industry and opposition from EU countries with significant automotive industries.

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

One external energy policy expert, who was not involved with the research, called the report a “very useful addition” after years in which segments of the car sector argued there was too little data to properly assess real-world emissions.

“The results show, without question, that the gap in lab and real-world PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ output is significantly larger than for petrol or conventional vehicles,” the expert stated. “All regulatory adjustments concerning PHEVs should be implemented with extreme caution and considering that data.”