Oh dear, oh, dear. It seems all is not rosy in the green world of hybrid motoring. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners are not actually saving the planet. Woe is me!
It seems that the claimed ‘economy’ figures touted by the manufacturers are not actually achievable out here in the real world.
The theory is that because PHEVs can switch between battery electric power and an internal combustion engine, they will deliver significant emissions and fuel economy improvements over traditional cars, thereby saving us all from certain climate doom.
Environmental campaigners have concerns that these heavily advertised figures – which are used online and in TV adverts promoting the vehicles – are misrepresentative, as highlighted by a new market review.
The Guardian reports that many popular plug-in hybrids don’t maximise the use of green electric power due to limitations with the technology.
It reviewed models that feature zero-emission driving modes, which when selected are designed for the vehicle to operate only using electric power without switched [SIC] to the supplementary petrol engine.
The report found that many of these modes switch off if the conditions are not suitable for the vehicle or technology.
ThisIsMoney
Driving in cold winter weather? PHEV switches to petrol even with a fully charged battery as the batteries need to warm up to send power to the electric motors. (Volvo XC90 Twin Engine, Mercedes-Benz E300 and Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid)
Need to demist the windscreen? PHEV switches to petrol. (Kia Niro)
Turn on cabin heating to keep warm? PHEV switches to petrol.
Need to bury boot? PHEV switches to petrol. (Range Rover’s p400e and Porsche’s Cayenne E-Hybrid)
Exceed a pre-set speed? PHEV switches to petrol. (BMW’s range of plug-in hybrids – including the Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid).
Want to use adaptive cruise control? PHEV switches to petrol. (Mitsubishi’s Outlander)
Battery gets too hot or too cold in extreme conditions? PHEV switches to petrol. (Mitsubishi’s Outlander)
Feel the need to keep Greta happy – buy a PHEV
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