European plug-in hybrids emit more than official tests show, study finds

The short version

• A study of 220,000 European plug-in hybrids found real-world carbon emissions increased from 138 gCO2/km in 2023 to 145 gCO2/km in 2024.[Electrek]
• The discrepancy with official estimates stems from utility factor calculations overestimating how frequently drivers plug in their vehicles.[Electrek]
• Automakers have lobbied European Union officials to dilute planned updates to utility factor calculations.[Electrek]
• A representative of Transport & Environment described the vehicles as an industry greenwashing stunt that burdens consumers with higher fuel costs.[Electrek]

Key facts

• An analysis of 220,000 vehicles using the On Board Fuel Consumption Monitoring system revealed European plug-in hybrid emissions grew from 138 gCO2/km in 2023 to 145 gCO2/km in 2024.[Electrek]
• The gap between laboratory figures and real-world emissions occurs because regulatory utility factors assume drivers charge batteries far more often than they do in practice.[Electrek]
• Automakers have lobbied the European Union to weaken proposed adjustments to utility factor formulas.[Electrek]
• Lucien Mathieu of Transport & Environment labeled plug-in hybrids an industry greenwashing stunt that causes consumers to spend more on fuel than anticipated.[Electrek]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Plug-in Hybrids emit 6x more pollution than claimed, and they’re getting dirtierElectrek