Plug‑in Hybrids Emit More CO₂ Than Expected, While EVs Show Varying Fast‑Charge Gains

A European agency that previously uncovered the Dieselgate scandal released a report indicating that plug‑in hybrid rechargeable (PHEV) vehicles emit up to five times more CO₂ in real‑world driving than the values presented by manufacturers. The study challenges the claimed environmental benefits of PHEVs that rely on electric power for daily commutes and a combustion engine for longer trips.

In a separate assessment, Auto Plus evaluated how many kilometres can be recovered during a ten‑minute fast‑charge stop for several electric cars. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3 delivered the highest range gains, thanks to high‑voltage architecture, aerodynamic design and efficient power management. BYD’s Seal, despite a large battery and robust LFP chemistry, recovered less distance, illustrating that charging speed and overall vehicle efficiency, rather than raw battery size, determine short‑stop performance.