Plug-in Hybrids pollute Nearly as Much as Gasoline Cars, Study Finds

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), often touted as a bridge to full electrification, may not be as environmentally friendly as commonly believed. A recent study by Transport & Environment (T&E),a leading European non-governmental organization focused on sustainable transport,reveals that PHEVs often produce emissions levels comparable to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

The research challenges the notion, actively promoted by some in the automotive industry within the European union, of classifying PHEVs as zero-emission vehicles.T&E’s findings suggest that real-world emissions from PHEVs are significantly higher than those measured in laboratory tests, largely due to drivers not consistently utilizing the electric charge and relying more heavily on the internal combustion engine.

This discrepancy raises concerns about the effectiveness of current policies that incentivize PHEV adoption based on the assumption of substantial emission reductions. The study underscores the need for more accurate emissions testing and a reevaluation of the role PHEVs play in the transition to a cleaner transportation sector.

Source: Transport & Environment