Study Concludes Plug-In Hybrid Cars Didn’t Deliver On Emissions. Why?
Original story by: Forbes
Last updated: Oct 22, 2025
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- Context: A recent study of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Europe reveals they are not reducing petroleum fuel consumption or emissions as significantly as advertised. Despite regulatory assumptions, real-world data shows PHEVs use considerably more fuel and emit more than expected, potentially allowing automakers to avoid penalties.
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- Detailed Summary:
- A Transport & Environment report analyzing 127,000 PHEVs found they consumed 19% less petroleum fuel than conventional cars, far short of the anticipated 75% reduction.
- This discrepancy allowed automakers to meet emissions targets and avoid penalties, with comparisons drawn to the "dieselgate" scandal.
- PHEVs combine gasoline and electric powertrains with small batteries offering limited all-electric range (30-50 miles), theoretically covering average daily commutes.
- However, the study identified two key issues: inconsistent charging habits leading to more gasoline use than predicted (27% electric vs. 84% estimated), and underpowered electric motors that necessitated gasoline engine activation during acceleration and inclines.
- The parallel hybrid design common in PHEVs, where both electric motors and gasoline engines can power the wheels directly, allows for less powerful electric motors but can result in the gasoline engine engaging more frequently.
- Drivers' habits, including not charging diligently, contribute to the underutilization of electric power. Range anxiety is also cited as a reason for purchasing PHEVs, with road trips often relying on fossil fuels due to limited fast-charging capabilities and high electricity costs.
- The report criticizes regulations for focusing on dictated solutions (optimistic formulas) rather than actual emission reduction goals.
- It is estimated that automakers avoided over $5 billion in fines due to these favorable formulas.
- Customers also incurred additional costs, around $500 per year, due to less electric driving than advertised.
- The study suggests that PHEVs could perform better with larger electric motors and regulations that track actual emissions rather than theoretical ones.
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