Plug-in hybrids cause almost as much pollution as petrol cars, study finds

"Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) cause almost as much pollution as petrol cars, a new report has revealed. Unlike fully electric cars, hybrids run on electric batteries as well as combustion engines, and have been sold by car makers as a way of covering longer distances but still reducing emissions. However, analysis of 800,000 European cars between 2021 and 2023 found plug-in hybrids pump out nearly five times the amount of real-world pollution than lab tests have shown."

"The non-profit advocacy group Transport and Environment found PHEVs emit just 19 per cent less CO2 than petrol and diesel cars - but lab tests previously suggested they were 75 per cent less polluting. Data was gathered from the onboard fuel consumption meters, which revealed real-world carbon dioxide emissions were 4.9 times greater than those from standardised lab tests, having risen from being 3.5 times greater in 2021."

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging."

The Independent seeks donations to fund on-the-ground reporting across major US issues while keeping journalism freely accessible without paywalls. Support funds allow reporters to investigate political PAC finances and produce documentaries profiling American women fighting for reproductive rights. A Transport and Environment analysis of 800,000 European cars from 2021 to 2023 found plug-in hybrid electric vehicles emit just 19 per cent less CO2 than petrol and diesel cars in real-world driving. Onboard fuel consumption meters showed real-world CO2 emissions were 4.9 times higher than standardised lab tests, up from 3.5 times in 2021, challenging previous 75 per cent emissions reductions.

Read at www.independent.co.uk