From lab-to-road: real-world fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Abstract Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine an motor with internal combustion engine and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport if mainly driven on electricity. The environmental benefit of PHEVs strongly depends usage charging behaviour. However, there is limited evidence how much actually drive electricity conventional fuel they use in real-world operation. Here, we provide the first systematic empirical analysis consumption (FC) approximately 100 000 China, Europe, North America. We find that mean CO 2 are between 50 300 g km ?1 depending all-electric range, user group country. For private vehicles, two to four times higher than test cycle values. high FC result low frequency, i.e. less once per driving day. Our results demonstrate importance vehicle emission measurements indicate need adjust current PHEV policies, official values better reflect realistic shares incentives put more emphasis frequent charging.