Hybrid cars have been hailed as a greener alternative to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. However, a recent report reveals that these vehicles may not be as environmentally friendly as manufacturers claim. According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produce significantly more greenhouse gases than expected, up to five times more.
The CCC’s findings are part of a progress report on the government’s efforts to reduce emissions. Chief executive Chris Stark expressed concern over the slow progress towards achieving net-zero emissions, stating that the government is relying too heavily on technological breakthroughs like carbon capture instead of encouraging individuals to reduce their high-carbon activities.
Transportation is a major contributor to the country’s overall emissions, and the CCC report indicates that its share is higher than anticipated. The environmental benefits of plug-in hybrid cars, which combine a petrol or diesel engine with a battery and electric motors, have come into question.
The report cites evidence from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), which shows that the carbon savings from PHEVs are three to five times lower in real-world conditions compared to previous assumptions. This evidence is illustrated in a graph provided by the ICCT, which depicts fuel consumption figures from certifications like the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
Mr. Stark warns that the government’s surface transport emissions are projected to be higher than anticipated by the mid-2030s. He also highlights that the carbon savings from plug-in hybrids are significantly lower than previously thought. These findings have raised concerns among lawmakers, with Tory MP Philip Dunne stating that the government’s climate leadership could unravel as a result.
This is not the first study to question the environmental benefits of plug-in hybrid cars in 2023. Another report suggested that the carbon dioxide emissions from PHEVs in the UK are three times higher than advertised when their batteries are fully charged. The study conducted by think tank Transport & Environment in partnership with Graz University in Austria revealed that the newest models of PHEVs emit significantly more pollution than claimed during typical commuter routes.
In response to these findings, the environmental group has called for the UK government to discontinue green tax breaks for PHEVs and ban the sale of new models by the end of the decade. However, the government has decided to allow certain hybrid cars that can travel a significant distance with zero emissions to remain in showrooms until 2035, even as conventional petrol and diesel-powered models are outlawed from 2030.
Despite the push for electric cars, experts have raised concerns about the strain they put on road infrastructure. Research from the University of Leeds shows that electric vehicles, which are heavier due to larger batteries, cause twice as much damage to roads as their petrol or diesel counterparts.
In conclusion, the report reveals that hybrid cars may not be as environmentally friendly as believed, as they produce more greenhouse gases than claimed by manufacturers. The government’s progress towards net-zero emissions is slow, and it needs to focus on reducing high-carbon activities rather than relying solely on technological solutions. These findings raise questions about the environmental benefits of plug-in hybrid cars and highlight the need for further action to combat climate change.
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