The European organization Transport & Environment (T&E) has released a report proposing that automakers reduce fuel tank sizes in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The initiative aims to encourage owners to charge their vehicles more frequently, thereby reducing overall carbon emissions.
According to the report, the actual CO2 emissions of PHEVs registered in 2024 are nearly six times higher than official figures. Data shows that electric-only driving accounts for only 27% of total mileage, while internal combustion engines operate 32% of the time even when the battery is depleted.
T&E highlights that relying primarily on fuel increases annual energy costs for owners. The organization estimates that the actual annual energy expenditure for a 2024 PHEV model reaches €1,810, whereas official fuel consumption data suggests a cost of only €1,130, resulting in a difference of €680.
