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Plug-in hybrids use three times more fuel than manufacturers claim, analysis finds
(www.theguardian.com)
this post was submitted on 18 Feb 2026
258 points (93.6% liked)
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How is it misleading?
Manufacturers make claims about fuel consumption. Based on studying real-world data, fuel consumption is significantly worse than claimed. The study authors say that internal combustion engines are active much more frequently than claimed. They propose that manufacturers and regulators use real-world data because it's more accurate. Is that such a bad idea?
It's misleading because it is reporting a very generalized average fuel consumption (actual usage) of all PHEVs while manufacturer claims are based on individual vehicle potential.
Manufacturers cannot control how people use their cars, they can only assure that the cars operate the way they claim when used the way they suggest.
But isn't that like Apple saying "you're holding it wrong"?
I don't think it's being portrayed as a manufacturer conspiracy. When Porsche says their tests are "based on the legally prescribed EU measurement procedures," I'm sure they're not lying. But these data say pretty clearly that those tests don't predict observed reality. If they don't, what good are they really? Shouldn't we use testing that better reflect observed fuel usage?
The way I read it is:
Sadly, it sounds like Porsche drivers may fall into the first category and Toyota drivers in the second. And there are enough Porches to skew the MPG of the whole PHEV class.
(it's also possible that Porsche/VW/Audi just make PHEVs that score well on gov't tests but poorly in the real world, though I'd lean towards the drivers. But the article title really implies that all PHEVs get shockingly bad mileage)
The article is designed to support the anti green agenda now popular. Like that Volvo white paper that claims EVs take more resources to make, but no one read that paper. They compared ICE to EV, but excluded the engine and transmission metals from ICE. I guess those grow on trees.
The media constantly quotes this paper and no one actually read it.