Study Reveals Plug-In Hybrids Use 300% More Fuel Than Official Claims.

Fraunhofer Institute Study Findings

According to Novyny.live: A major study from the Fraunhofer Institute has revealed that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) consume significantly more gasoline in real-world use than their manufacturers advertise. This conclusion is based on an analysis of data from over one million PHEV vehicles, collected between 2021 and 2023.

The average fuel consumption for these cars was measured at 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This figure is a staggering 300% higher than the official manufacturer estimates of 1.57 liters per 100 km. The discrepancy is largely due to drivers using the electric mode only 40% of the time. Even when running on electric power, the vehicles still consumed an average of 2.8 liters of gasoline per 100 km, a figure that can rise to 2.98 liters when the battery charge is low.

Implications of the Research

These findings cast serious doubt on the accuracy of the fuel economy figures provided by automakers. Interestingly, the study noted that owners of budget-friendly brands were more diligent in charging their hybrids than owners of luxury models, suggesting usage patterns vary by vehicle class. For consumers considering a PHEV, this underscores the critical need for more realistic and transparent fuel consumption data.

The results have significant consequences, as many buyers choose plug-in hybrids expecting substantial fuel savings and environmental benefits. With real-world fuel costs proving to be much higher than advertised, consumer purchasing decisions may shift, potentially prompting calls for stricter industry testing and reporting standards.

This growing scrutiny over fuel economy accuracy could also drive changes in the regulatory framework governing hybrid and electric vehicles.