Summarised by Centrist
A recent European Environment Agency (EEA) report, analysing data from over 600,000 vehicles across Europe, discovered that plug-in hybrids emit pollutants at levels 3.5 times higher than those claimed by manufacturers.
On average, these vehicles were found to emit 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre, significantly exceeding the reported 40 grams per kilometre.
The findings point to the need for more accurate measurement protocols and standards, prompting EU officials to rethink current methods.
Auto manufacturers’ claims about emissions and fuel efficiency often do not align with real-world performance. Gasoline and diesel cars also showed discrepancies, with their emissions exceeding official data by 24% and 18%, respectively.
According to YNet, the EU has only recently begun to address air pollution and public health concerns resulting from vehicle emissions. The results so far have been “underwhelming” as many penalties go unenforced.