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PHEVs release nearly 5x more global warming pollution than lab-reported figures indicate, according to a new analysis.

Growing Gap In Lab and Actual CO2 Output

Data reveals that PHEVs release just 19% less CO₂ than conventional gas and diesel cars, according to research conducted by a advocacy group. This differs sharply with lab tests, which suggested a 75% reduction in pollution.

Researchers examined information from onboard fuel consumption meters of 800,000 cars registered in the EU from 2021 and 2023. They found that actual CO₂ output from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times higher than lab figures, up from three and a half times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are increasing, while official emissions are falling,” said a lead analyst involved in the study. “This discrepancy is widening and poses a significant problem. As a result, PHEVs emit nearly as heavily as petrol cars.”

Key Reasons Driving the Emissions Gap

Analysts attributed most of the difference to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the percentage of kilometers driven in electric power compared to total mileage. The team determined that only a quarter of driving was completed in electric mode, whereas official assumptions assumed over four-fifths.

Even, when running in electric mode, emission levels were well above lab estimates. This happened because electric motors were insufficiently powerful sufficient to operate alone, leading to engines burning fossil fuels for nearly one-third of the travel completed in electric mode.

Policy and Economic Implications

Based on estimates, the underestimation of PHEV CO2 output allowed several major carmaker companies to escape over €5bn in penalties from 2021 and 2023, by artificially simplifying adherence with EU average fleet CO₂ targets.

Furthermore, owners of PHEVs would spend approximately €500 extra per year in operating expenses than would be assumed under laboratory conditions.

“The strong claims that automakers often promote about their plug-in hybrid vehicles are clearly far from the mark,” stated a automotive expert. “Consumers are being duped into believing that by buying a PHEV, they are helping the planet and saving costs. Actually, PHEVs are only slightly better than regular petrol and diesel cars in terms of energy use, CO₂ emissions, and running expenses.”

Political Discussion and Automotive Lobbying

Hybrid cars have lately been drawn again into political debates as automakers have lobbied the European Union to weaken CO₂ targets. A planned prohibition on new combustion engine vehicles 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.

An external energy policy expert, who was not involved with the study, described the report a “highly valuable addition” after a long period in which segments of the automotive industry claimed there was insufficient information to accurately assess actual emissions.

“These findings demonstrate, without question, that the difference between lab and actual PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions is significantly larger than for petrol or conventional vehicles,” the expert stated. “Any regulatory changes concerning PHEVs should be implemented with utmost caution and in the light of this data.”