Despite this, the government has stated that emissions targets for manufacturers will continue to use the old figures and test cycle. This, T&E fears, means that drivers will continue to be “misled by the ‘low emission’ image of PHEVs portrayed by carmakers” and that the UK may struggle to hit its lofty climate targets as a result. 

Mixed messaging 

In fact, the European transport sustainability group believes this mixed messaging surrounding PHEVs could see as many as 500,000 additional new cars using the tech hitting the road by 2030, in turn jeopardising the sales of cleaner, fully-electric cars. 

T&E has called on the government to bear in mind the new updated plug-in hybrid emissions figures and regulations before pressing ahead with its ZEV mandate changes to avoid “duping” the public.

Such a sentiment is backed by Professor of Business and Sustainability at the University of Cardiff, Peter Wells, who told Auto Express that T&E’s analysis was “entirely correct, both in terms of the real-world performance of PHEVs, and the actual cost to consumers. It is a flawed policy.”

Wells continued, saying: “We too easily forget that the point of all of this is to slow down the rate of climate change. Once again the government has allowed itself to be distracted by short-term economic expediency.”

Auto Express has approached the UK Department for Transport for comment, but we have yet to receive a response.

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