Fraunhofer study finds plug-in hybrids burn three times more fuel than official claims
By Eve
A Fraunhofer Institute analysis of roughly one million plug-in hybrid vehicles produced between 2021 and 2023 found real-world fuel consumption averaged six litres per 100 km, compared to official EU certification figures of one to two litres per 100 km. The study, reported by The Guardian on 23 February 2026, used wireless data transmitted by PHEVs from several manufacturers but did not examine how often owners actually plug in their vehicles.
Why it matters: The threefold gap between certified and actual fuel use raises questions about the emissions and cost assumptions underpinning PHEV fleet procurement and charging infrastructure planning. Operators relying on official efficiency figures may face higher fuel bills and carbon footprints than anticipated.