<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/08/major-plug-in-hybrid-cars-pollute-more-than-official-measures-suggest>
"Popular plug-in hybrid cars emit significantly more carbon dioxide than
official measures suggest, according to new on-road tests by academics that add
to concerns over the true impact of cars sold as better for the environment.
Cars from BMW, Renault and Peugeot all emitted much more than standard lab
tests had claimed, with the BMW 3 Series in particular emitting more than three
times advertised, according to the research by Austria’s Graz University of
Technology.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine a small battery with a
traditional petrol or diesel engine. Carmakers say they can offer the best of
both worlds by allowing owners to drive long distances while retaining the
ability to drive with zero emissions. However, campaigners argue that the cars
are more polluting than claimed.
The research found that BMW’s 3 Series emitted 112g of carbon dioxide per
kilometre, three times its official rating of 36g. Peugeot’s 308 polluted 20%
more than its official rating of 27g, while Renault’s Megane was 70% above the
official test of 30g.
Tests by independent groups, including UK consumer group Which?, have
repeatedly found that PHEVs burn more fuel than the laboratory figures suggest.
Burning more fuel adds to running costs and increases polluting carbon
emissions.
The campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) commissioned the Graz
researchers after similar analysis in 2020 found much higher emissions than
advertised from PHEVs, particularly as some users do not charge them. The
latest data suggest that PHEV technology in some newer models still pollutes
significantly more than official tests suggest."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
