Why are hybrids so many times dirtier than stated?

Study of 202 Mixed Drive Models Reveals Shocking Results

The ever-growing popularity of hybrid vehicles has logically led to an increase in their number on the market. However, it turns out that the emission levels declared by manufacturers in these vehicles do not correspond to reality at all, since they are many times higher.

The development of bootable hybrids (PHEV) assumes that at least while driving, they will use only electricity and only after their battery has been discharged will the internal combustion engine start. And since most drivers drive relatively short distances every day, they only need an electric motor. Accordingly, CO2 emissions will be minimal.

However, it turns out that this is not the case at all, and it's not just about car companies. When testing their PHEV hybrids, they use official programs - WLTP and NEDC - which are not only universally recognized, but they are also used to shape the policy of manufacturers in the automotive industry.

However, a study by a group of American, Norwegian and German automotive experts shows shocking results. They studied over 100 hybrids (PHEVs), some of which are owned by large companies and used as company vehicles, while others are owned by private individuals. The latter provided information on the cost and emissions of their vehicles completely anonymously.

The study was conducted in countries with different climatic conditions - the USA, Canada, China, Norway, the Netherlands and Germany, touched on 202 hybrid models of 66 brands. Differences in roads, infrastructure and driving in different countries are also taken into account.

The results show that in Norway hybrids emit 200% more harmful emissions than indicated by the manufacturer, while in the USA the excess of the values ​​quoted by the manufacturers is between 160 and 230%. However, the Netherlands holds the record, with an average of 450%, and in some models it reaches 700%.

Among the possible causes of high CO2 levels is another unexpected reason. If the infrastructure of charging stations is poorly developed in the country, then drivers do not resort to regular recharging of batteries and use hybrids as standard cars. Money spent in this way on mixed transport (electricity and fuel) is never returned.

Another finding of the study is that the hybrid vehicle loses efficiency on large daily commutes. Therefore, before purchasing such a model, its owners should consider the way it is used.