New research has revealed that plug-in hybrid vehicles are emitting substantially more pollution than official figures suggest, casting doubt on their role as a green alternative to conventional cars. The study found that many PHEV owners rarely drive in electric-only mode, relying instead on the gasoline engine for most of their journeys, which pushes real-world emissions well above the low numbers used in regulatory calculations. The findings carry significant implications for environmental policy, as numerous governments have been offering tax incentives and purchase subsidies to encourage PHEV adoption as a stepping stone toward full electrification. The results may prompt regulators to revisit how they measure and report vehicle emissions, and could shift future incentives more firmly toward fully electric vehicles.
Study shows plug-in hybrids polluting far more than expected Courthouse News
