Plug-in hybrids: Poor climate performance on the road

Plug-in hybrids are often marketed as more environmentally friendly than pure combustion engines. But, under real-world conditions, hybrid cars are not proven climate friends either. Although a slight discrepancy between the standard and real consumption values is not necessarily rare, the discrepancy in some passenger car models is much greater than thought. This is the result of a study by the lobby organisation Transport & Environment (T&E), which has been campaigning for clean transport for years. 

A few years ago, T&E had already found that hybrid drive technology failed to live up to its sustainability promises over longer distances. However, recent analyses show that the problem is even more far-reaching than previously thought. Even on shorter journeys, the study found, carbon dioxide emissions are higher than factory claims. On behalf of T&E, the Technical University of Graz (Austria) was able to test three of the currently best-selling hybrids on a typical "commuter route" with motorway and city centre traffic.  The result? Even when starting with a full battery, the measured pollutant emissions are above the manufacturer's specifications.  

The BMW 330e xDrive Touring, for example, had CO2 emissions equivalent to 112 grams per kilometre - around three times more than the manufacturer's specification of 55 grams. And the Peugeot 308 and Renault Megane models also tested exceeded the expected standard values - with real CO2 emissions of 33 and 50 grams - by 20 and 70 per cent respectively. Not only the CO2 emissions, but also the range achieved with a single charge did not meet the expectations for plug-in cars. Only with the Renault was it possible to cover the expected distance in the test - but at the price of a heavier battery, which consistently increases emissions. 

Test results that are not necessarily a complete surprise, but which cast doubt on the political decision of many countries to continue to favour such vehicles with purchase and tax benefits.  Plug-in hybrids are still particularly popular in the company car sector. In Germany, for example, seven out of ten new plug-in hybrids alone are registered as company cars. However, given the results, it is important not to ignore the impact these vehicles can have on air quality and the environment in general. This is precisely why T&E is again calling for the removal of beneficial subsidies for plug-in hybrids. In Germany, they have not been subsidised since the beginning of this year, but there are still several countries that grant part-time electric cars the same - or similar - privileges as fully electric cars. 

Will the ban on combustion engines also change the rules of the game for hybrids - and give more room to other alternative drives? After all, a ban on combustion engines means no more fossil fuels for new registrations. It also remains to be clarified whether hybrids that receive the E-plate or the E-plaque will still be allowed to enter zero-emission zones. It remains to be seen in which direction the car industry will develop in the long term.