Fraunhofer Study Finds Some PHEVs Use 3 Times More Fuel Than Claimed - CleanTechnica

A recent study by Fraunhofer ISI and the Öko Institute has revealed that many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sold in Europe consume about three times more gasoline in real-world driving than manufacturers claim. Analyzing data from around one million PHEVs, the study found these vehicles average about six liters of fuel per 100 km, significantly higher than official type-approval values. The main reason is that PHEVs frequently switch between electric and combustion engine modes, with the combustion engine activating more often than manufacturers suggest, undermining the expected fuel savings and climate benefits. The study highlights that German-made PHEVs, including high-end models like Porsche, exhibit the highest fuel consumption, with Porsche models consuming up to 7 liters per 100 km. In contrast, more affordable PHEVs from brands like Kia, Toyota, Ford, and Renault showed much lower fuel use, often under one liter per 100 km. The findings raise concerns about regulatory compliance and the