PHEVs ‘fake’ green vehicles?
European tests on three of the most popular plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) show they may be more polluting than advertised.
So says Teslarati which quotes a report from the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E).
“Even when starting with a full battery, T&E noted that the BMW X5, Volvo XC60, and Mitsubishi Outlander, three of Europe’s most popular PHEVs, emitted more CO2 than advertised,” Teslarati says.
“The three vehicles emitted 28% to 89% more CO2 when they were tested by Emissions Analytics on a fully-charged battery and under optimal conditions.
“On an empty battery, the vehicles emitted three to eight times more than their official values.”
Teslarati says this remained true even when the BMW X5, Volvo XC60, and Mitsubishi Outlander were driven in battery-charging mode, which usually kicks in when motorists charge up ahead of using electric mode in low-emissions zones.
“In these circumstances, the PHEVs emitted 12 times more CO2 than advertised.”
T&E vehicles and e-mobility senior director Julia Poliscanova pointed out PHEVs, saying they are “fake electric cars, built for lab tests and tax breaks, not real driving”.
“Governments should stop subsidising these cars with billions in taxpayers’ money.”
T&E estimates once the PHEVs’ batteries are consumed, the BMW X5, Volvo XC60, and Mitsubishi Outlander could only drive about 11 to 23km before they overshoot their official CO2 emissions per km rating.
Join the conversation (1)
Some people talk just for the sake of it, they should not presume they know how everybody drives. I have a 2019 Outlander PHEV and rarely ever use any petrol. The car spends most of its time in a garage plugged in to power (from a 10-kw solar and batteries) the multiple trips I do each day are generally under 30 to 35 kilometres. (all electric)
Maybe we need to be a little more careful about how we label things, cars. My PHEV is definitely cleaner than cleaner than even some EV’s, we need to focus on how we use cars and understand that people are responsible for emissions because we drive cars.
I feel if we want to reduce emissions and we cannot afford the latest EV there are other ways to get around. I know others who drive plug ins and make it work, but there not for everyone. You could just take the bus or ride a bike; I do all three.