EU Data Reveals Plug-In Hybrids Pollute Far More Than Lab Tests Indicate
New European Environment Agency figures for 2024 show real-world CO2 emissions from plug-in hybrids average 145 grams per kilometer, six times the official test value of 24 grams. The gap has widened every year since monitoring began, with emissions rising 5% from 2023 to 2024 even as official ratings improved. Transport & Environment is urging the EU to reject automaker efforts to weaken upcoming rules that would better align test results with actual pollution.
Onboard fuel monitors across 220,000 plug-in hybrids show 2024 real-world emissions averaged 145 grams of CO2 per kilometer, up from 138 grams in 2023. This rise occurred even as official lab ratings dropped from 28 to 24 grams. These vehicles make up 9.8% of EU car sales.
The European Commission has proposed allowing PHEV sales beyond 2035, and carmakers' ACEA group is pushing to cancel a planned 2027 update to utility factors. Negotiations are active, with an EU Council debate slated for October 12 and a Parliament vote due in November.
The persistent gap could mislead consumers who purchase plug-in hybrids expecting low running costs, potentially leading to higher fuel expenses than anticipated. Automakers may use these discrepancies to delay full electrification, while regulators could face challenges in meeting climate targets if paper-based emissions do not reflect road reality. This could ultimately slow the broader shift toward cleaner transport and affect public trust in environmental labeling.