Overview
- Transport & Environment’s analysis of European Environment Agency data shows average real-world consumption of about 5.9 l/100 km versus 1.5 l/100 km under WLTP tests.
- Drivers spend roughly €500 more on fuel each year than lab figures suggest, with PHEVs delivering only about a 19–20% CO2 cut versus comparable petrol or diesel models.
- Small batteries and underpowered electric motors, combined with infrequent charging by owners, mean PHEVs are operated mainly on their combustion engines in everyday use.
- AEE data indicate the combustion engine provides energy for nearly a third of the distance even when the vehicle is set to ‘electric’ mode.
- The study intensifies pressure on EU regulators over 2025/2027 ‘usage factors’ as industry warns that downgrading PHEV credits could threaten production and jobs, while claims that e-fuels make hybrid driving ‘nearly non-polluting’ are challenged by analysts.