Overview
- T&E’s analysis finds PHEVs cut CO2 by only about 19% versus petrol and diesel cars, far below the roughly 75% reduction suggested by WLTP tests.
- The real‑world emissions gap rose from 3.5x in 2021 to 4.9x in 2023, based on onboard fuel‑consumption meters from vehicles registered across Europe.
- Researchers attribute the gap to an overstated ‘utility factor’—officially ~84% electric driving versus ~27% observed—plus engines engaging during ‘electric’ driving and design limits that curb true zero‑emission operation.
- T&E estimates major carmakers avoided more than €5 billion in EU fines from 2021–2023, as understated PHEV emissions eased compliance with fleet CO2 targets.
- The European Commission has begun correcting WLTP methodology for new PHEVs this year, with broader updates planned in 2027–2028, as policy debate intensifies over PHEVs’ role ahead of the 2035 rules.