EU rules hike plug‑in hybrid taxes as study finds modest AC impact on EV range

The European Union has revised the methodology for calculating CO₂ emissions of plug‑in hybrid vehicles. The new rules, effective from 1 January 2027, raise the official emission figures for many models, pushing them into higher tax brackets. In Sweden this will increase annual vehicle taxes by up to €319 per car, according to the revised calculations.

A separate study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and data analysis from the firm Recurrent examined how air‑conditioning use affects electric‑vehicle range in hot weather. Tests at around 35 °C showed a roughly 10 % drop in energy efficiency and an 8.5 % reduction in real‑world range. The impact is modest compared with factors such as high speed, strong headwinds or rapid acceleration, and heating systems increase consumption even more.

Both pieces highlight how real‑world driving conditions and updated emissions accounting can influence the cost and practicality of electric and hybrid cars.