Home / Technology / PHEVs: Fuel Use Far Higher Than Advertised
PHEVs: Fuel Use Far Higher Than Advertised
19 Feb
Summary
- Plug-in hybrids use six liters of fuel per 100km on average.
- Real-world emissions are three to five times higher than advertised.
- EU regulators are called to adjust PHEV testing measurements.
A comprehensive study by the Fraunhofer Institute has revealed that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are far less economical than marketed. Analysis of approximately one million PHEVs indicates that they consume an average of six liters of fuel per 100km, substantially exceeding the officially certified one to two liters. This discrepancy results in real-world CO2 emissions being three to five times higher than manufacturers' claims.
These findings suggest that PHEVs' fuel consumption on the road is comparable to that of conventional internal combustion engine cars. Researchers attribute the increased fuel usage to the more frequent engagement of the combustion engine in discharge mode than previously believed. The study's authors are urging EU regulators to revise the measurement standards for PHEVs in official tests to ensure greater accuracy.
While cheaper PHEVs from brands like Kia and Ford show lower fuel consumption, premium models such as Porsche hybrids use significantly more fuel. The Fraunhofer Institute's report highlights a growing concern that PHEVs are not meeting their advertised environmental credentials. The EU's Euro 6e-bis emissions standard, introduced in January 2025, aims to address such discrepancies by introducing stricter testing procedures for PHEVs.
