Some plug-in hybrid models pollute more than modern diesels, research finds
Some plug-in hybrid cars perform worse on environmental tests than diesel cars, according to new research.
The Green New Car Assessment Programme has for the first time included three plug-in hybrid models into its rankings of 25 popular models, which look at clean air, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas outputs.
Its lab tests differ from official tests by including a higher payload and using features such as the air conditioning and headlights, and are performed at a more “realistic” 14C temperature.
In overall rankings, the Mitsubishi Outlander, by far the most popular plug-in hybrid in the UK, performs worse than 16 petrol and diesel models.
On carbon dioxide emissions, it performs worse than 11 other petrol and diesel models.
On clean air rankings, four petrol and diesel cars performed better than all three plug-in hybrid models that the tests looked at, which also included the Kia Niro and the Toyota Prius.
The Government has said hybrid cars will continue to be sold for five years beyond the 2030 deadline for the phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars, after lobbying from the auto industry.
But the results from the Green NCAP study add to growing data that suggests plug-in hybrid cars do not deliver the environmental gains consumers may believe.
A study of around 100,000 PHEVs by the International Council on Clean Transportation, a US non-profit group, found that real world driving emissions were two to four times higher than in official tests.
Critics say official tests fail to consider real-world driving conditions, particularly the fact many drivers may not recharge as often as manufacturers recommend, and may drive significantly longer distances using the fuel engine.
Official tests are also criticised for ignoring the use of features such as heating, which on some models can automatically switch the car to engine mode.
“Consumers could be forgiven for thinking that, by buying a car labelled ‘PHEV’ and keeping it charged all the time, they will be doing their bit for the environment, but these results show that this is not necessarily the case,” Euro NCAP Chairman, Niels Jacobsen, said.
“The Outlander shows that a big, heavy vehicle with a limited driving range is unlikely to offer any benefit over a conventional car.”
Green NCAP is an independent initiative backed by the Euro NCAP, which is supported by the European Union. It is funded by several organisations including consumer magazine Which?.
Mitsubishi said “We fundamentally disagree with the GreenNCAP findings.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society for Motoring Manufacturers, said: “The new Green NCAP results show that different classes of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) offer differing levels of environmental impact, as is the case for all vehicle types, and on average they outperform their pure petrol and diesel counterparts.
“The results show that there is a role for a variety of different technologies, including PHEVs, on the road to zero and consumers should choose the technology and vehicle type that best suits their driving needs.”
