Study: Plug-in Hybrid Fuel Consumption and Emissions Far Exceed Official Figures

A new study from The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) demonstrates that the real-world fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions of plug-in hybrid vehicles significantly exceed official figures. The study found that these vehicles consume four to five times more fuel on the road than is indicated in their advertising and during the approval process.

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) criticizes the German federal government's efforts at both EU and national levels to promote plug-in hybrids. DUH argues that despite their "disastrous climate impact," the government is attempting to upgrade their status in legislative processes, effectively equating them with fully electric vehicles.

Jürgen Resch, federal managing director of DUH, stated that the automotive industry is systematically exploiting regulatory loopholes, similar to the Dieselgate scandal. He criticized the government for advocating at the EU level to reverse the phase-out of combustion engines in favor of plug-in hybrids and for delaying necessary corrections to fuel consumption data. DUH also condemns the proposed amendment to the electromobility law, which would equate plug-in hybrids with battery-electric vehicles, a move they deem contrary to climate policy logic.

The study irrevocably proves, according to Resch, how absurd it is to consider plug-in hybrids as a key measure in climate protection programs. DUH intends to pursue legal action against the government to enforce effective climate protection measures. To meet binding climate targets in the transport sector, DUH urges the government to abandon its plan to equate plug-in hybrids with pure electric vehicles for another decade.