Motoring Editor
It s only a little over ten years ago that plug-in hybrid cars became mainstream and car manufacturers have been promoting them heavily ever since. Now they appear to face an early demise under proposed draft EU legislation.
When I received - and wrote about - a report last year from the international Transport and Environment group highlighting issues about the green credentials of plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV s), I was reminded of my experience of driving one of the most popular plug-in models, the Mitsubishi Outlander.
The SUV, which is powered by a battery and a hefty 2.4 petrol engine, fell far short of the range the manufacturer claimed it could achieve on just the battery. Admittedly, it was a time of year when conditions demanded more battery use, but I was still surprised by how quickly the Outlander had to fall back on that very big engine. Something did not quite add up in terms of the car s green image.
Hybrid Plug-in s Are Suddenly Carsona-Non-Grata By Air Wardens In Europe
Nick Carey and Kate Abnett writing for Reuters asked if you remember when plug-in hybrid cars were the go-to technology for the climate-conscious driver? Turns out, they’re not good for the environment, according to some experts, and they could be phased out by carmakers in the face of tougher European rules.
EU policy plans for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), which contain an electric battery and a combustion engine, could mean the transition technology has a shorter lifespan than envisaged by some leading automakers.
Draft green finance regulations would ban manufacturers from labelling them as sustainable investments beyond 2025, potentially deterring investors. Meanwhile planned rules on emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides could increase the cost of producing these cars.
Apr 13, 2021
LONDON/BRUSSELS – Remember when plug-in hybrid cars were the go-to technology for the climate-conscious driver? Turns out, they’re not good for the environment, according to some experts, and they could be phased out by carmakers in the face of tougher European rules.
EU policy plans for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), which contain an electric battery and a combustion engine, could mean the “transition” technology has a shorter lifespan than envisaged by some leading automakers.
Draft green finance regulations would ban manufacturers from labeling them as “sustainable investments” beyond 2025, potentially deterring investors. Meanwhile, planned rules on emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides could increase the cost of producing these cars.
Once green plug-in hybrid cars suddenly look like dinosaurs in Europe
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Last Updated: Apr 12, 2021, 10:58 AM IST
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Synopsis
EU policy plans for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), which contain an electric battery and a combustion engine, could mean the transition technology has a shorter lifespan than envisaged by some leading automakers.
Agencies
Carmakers say hybrids, used properly with electric as the primary power source and combustion as a back-up, emit far less than conventional cars. They add that PHEVs are a popular transitional choice for consumers who want greener travel.
Remember when plug-in hybrid cars were the go-to technology for the climate-conscious driver? Turns out, they re not good for the environment, according to some experts, and they could be phased out by carmakers in the face of tougher European rules.
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