There is now no doubt that the removal of PHEV grant assistance last October has led to a staggering 37% reduction in PHEV sales, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (August 2019). Yet, if used properly and charged regularly, CBVC still thinks they can offer real benefits.
However, some emissions experts contend that, if you are not prepared to charge them in accordance with manufacturer instructions, full hybrids are better proposition in reducing emissions of CO2 than PHEVs.
According to independent global testing and data specialist, Emissions Analytics, if a PHEV has not been plugged in and charged correctly, on average they return 37.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 193.3g/km, which is far worse than their official NEDC results.
“Non-plug-in, full hybrids offer much faster and more certain emissions reductions of up to 30%,” said a spokesman for Emission Analytics. “Given the importance of reducing CO2 emissions aggressively and quickly, the lower risk option may be preferable.
“Our position is that, PHEVs will deliver less and less certain reductions in CO2 than non-plug-in hybrids.”
Emissions Analytics, which earlier this year said that, in order to reduce real world CO2 emissions, businesses should switch to hybrids rather than waiting for an adequate supply of fully electric vehicles, explained that PHEVs still had a role to play if used properly.
“Their primary strength is offering electrification without range anxiety, since an internal combustion engine (ICE) remains present, whether as a part of the drivetrain or as a ‘range-extending’ battery generator.
“Research studies have shown that some driving cycles – for example commuting to and from work every day but charging overnight and avoiding long distances – can result in virtually no use of the conventional engine.
“The driver has in this case had an EV ‘on the cheap’, without the weight and cost of a large battery pack. This is a PHEV at its best.
“At the other end of the spectrum, a PHEV might be deployed on long journeys and never plugged in. This results in a significant dis-benefit, the vehicle typically offering worse fuel consumption and emissions than a conventional ICE-only drivetrain. This is a PHEV at its worst.
“While we can recognise that many current or potential PHEV owners understand that the electric driving share is the key to its fuel economy rating and emissions, nonetheless our data, based on fuel card usage, included a significant business user fleet where there was no fiscal incentive to save fuel. These owners were hardly plugging in.”
Meanwhile, a survey by Korean manufacturer, Hyundai, has found that nearly 60% of drivers would consider owning an electric or hybrid vehicle instead of a petrol or diesel to cut down on their carbon emissions.
However, cost (58%) rated as the biggest concern for those considering an EV or hybrid car, followed by a worry about a lack of charging points (54%), while the time it takes to charge a car and range anxiety (both 46%) were other concerns.
A Hyundaispokesperson said: “The findings show how important the environment is to people in the UK, with 70% of respondents regarding man-made climate change and pollution as the biggest issues facing humanity.
“Hyundai is committed to accelerating the transition to clean mobility and is investing heavily into alternative-fuel vehicles.
“We already have zero emission models like the Kona Electric and the NEXO fuel cell which actually cleans the air as it’s driven, and by the middle of next year nearly 80% of our line-up will be available as an electrified version. This will give motorists a wide range of choice and allow them to make the switch to a more environmentally-friendly car that will still suit their needs.”
Hyundai is currently the only manufacturer that produces battery electric models, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell cars.
These include the new zero emission Ioniq Electric with a range of up to 194 miles, which is also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the new Kona Hybrid crossover, which joins the zero emission Kona Electric offering a range of up to 279 miles.
CBVC managing director, Mike Manners, said: “We believe that PHEVs still have a role to play in reducing carbon emissions – provided they are charged and driven correctly – and can be a useful stepping stone to a full EV.”
