Plug-in hybrids called a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ as study claims emissions are higher than thought

Plug-in hybrids called a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ as study claims emissions are higher than thought

Patrick Pleul | picture alliance | Getty ImagesCarbon dioxide emissions from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are more than two-and-a-half-times greater than official test levels, new research claims. Published this week, the analysis — conducted by the Transport & Environment campaign group and supported by environmental organization Greenpeace U.K. — stated that, on average, "typical" plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, emit around 117g of CO2 per kilometer. This figure is considerably higher than the 44g of CO2 per kilometer that official test results have shown, the briefing said.To put this data into context, the paper said that over its lifetime, a new PHEV would emit around 28 tonnes of CO2, compared to a petrol car's 39 tonnes and a diesel car's 41 tonnes."Investigations also show PHEVs often switch on their engine even