Are Plug-in Hybrids Really Eco-Friendly? A Shocking Study Reveals the Truth.
A recent study has uncovered a startling fact: plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) might not be as environmentally friendly as we thought. Despite being marketed as a greener alternative, they are almost as polluting as petrol cars. But here's where it gets controversial—the study found that PHEVs emit only 19% less CO2 than petrol and diesel cars, a far cry from the 75% reduction suggested by lab tests.
The analysis, conducted on 800,000 European cars from 2021 to 2023, revealed a significant gap between lab test results and real-world emissions. The onboard fuel consumption meters showed that PHEVs produce 4.9 times more pollution in real-world conditions than in standardized lab tests, a number that has been rising, up from 3.5 times in 2021.
So, what's causing this discrepancy? Researchers found that even when PHEVs are driven in electric mode, the electric motors often require support from the combustion engine, burning fossil fuels for about a third of the distance. This is because the electric motors aren't powerful enough to operate independently for extended periods.
And this is the part most people miss—the trend towards longer electric ranges is actually making the problem worse. Larger batteries increase the vehicle's weight, leading to higher fuel consumption when the engine kicks in. Ironically, PHEVs with an electric range above 75 km emit more CO2 on average than those with a range between 45 and 75 km.
The car industry's stance on this issue is intriguing. They are lobbying to continue selling hybrids after the EU's 2035 zero-emission deadline, which could flood the market with expensive, polluting PHEVs instead of affordable zero-emission cars. This could undermine the much-needed investment certainty in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Moreover, the study found that PHEVs cost drivers significantly more to fuel and charge than advertised, due to hidden fuel consumption in both electric and engine modes. With an average selling price of €55,700 (£48,300) in Germany, France, and the UK in 2025, PHEVs are pricier than battery electric cars, which cost around €15,200 (£13,200) less on average.
This study raises important questions about the true environmental impact of PHEVs. Are they really a step towards a greener future, or is it time to reconsider our approach to eco-friendly transportation? The debate is open, and the comments section awaits your thoughts.
