Plug-In Hybrids Pollute Almost As Much As Petrol Cars — EU Data - CleanTechnica

A recent analysis of European Environment Agency data on 127,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered in 2023 reveals that PHEVs pollute nearly as much as conventional petrol and diesel cars, emitting only about 19% less CO2 per kilometer on average (135g vs. 166g). Even when operating in electric mode, PHEVs consume fuel and emit 68g of CO2/km—8.5 times higher than official test claims—because their electric motors often lack sufficient power for higher speeds or inclines, causing the combustion engine to engage for roughly one-third of the distance driven in electric mode. This hidden fuel consumption results in an average additional cost of €500 per year for PHEV drivers. The study also highlights that PHEVs are more expensive to purchase than battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with average prices in Germany, France, and the UK projected at €55,700 in 2025—€15,200