Plug-in hybrids emit almost as much pollution as gas cars, report finds

The article reports that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emit almost as much pollution as gasoline cars, contrary to the lab tests that show a 75% difference in emissions. An analysis of data from over 800,000 PHEVs in Europe found that their real-world carbon dioxide emissions were 4.9 times higher than official estimates, mainly due to the overestimation of the electric driving mode share (84% in tests vs. 27% in reality). Additionally, even in electric mode, PHEVs still emit considerable pollution as their electric motors lack sufficient power, requiring the combustion engines to provide power for nearly a third of the distance driven. The lack of fast charging also leads users to rely more on gasoline, resulting in higher fuel costs than estimated. The report suggests that carmakers have been pushing for PHEV adoption to avoid emissions-related fines, underestimating their actual environmental impact and allowing them to comply with fleet-wide carbon dioxide targets.