That’s how environmentally harmful plug-in hybrids really are

Plug-in hybrids are an environmentally friendly choice because emissions are limited, right? Anyone who drives a hybrid is in for a rude awakening. Researchers at Graz University of Technology show that PHEVs emit significantly more than previously assumed.

These are hybrids from BMW, Renault and Peugeot. Practical studies show that much more CO2 is released than the “official measurements” in laboratories show. This is a major concern for researchers at the Austrian university.

The hybrid BMW 3 Series emits three times more than stated

The hybrid BMW 3 Series takes the lead. According to official information, the BMW 330e emits 36 grams of CO2 per kilometer. However, the study shows that the Bavarian car emits more than three times as much at 112 grams per kilometer. To put it in perspective, that’s still half of what a G82 M3 would emit, and it’s close to what a Volkswagen Polo GTI emits.

The Renault Megane can also do something about it. The Frenchman is said to emit 30 grams of CO2 per kilometer, but in practice it is at least 70% more. The emissions values ​​of the Peugeot 308 are also incorrect. This plug-in hybrid pollutes the environment 20% more than stated.

Less all-electric range

In addition, the hybrids from Peugeot and BMW do not achieve their purely electric range. The hybrid BMW only achieves 75% of its stated purely electric range. In the Peugeot, the petrol engine starts at half the specified speed zero emissions-Range.

It was actually already known that hybrid cars are less gentle on Mother Nature than expected. About three years ago the British Consumers Association did this Which? already the same discovery. These painful facts came to light in a similar study in 2020. It now appears that the newer PHEVs are still more polluting than expected.