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It is certainly no mystery that there are obvious discrepancies between data on consumption and emissions of the Plug-in models result of the homologation tests and the real ones. These differences have been underlined several times, which have sparked many debates on the validity of this engine. In particular, over time, Transport & Environment has repeatedly pointed the finger at this technology, often presented as a good solution for the decarbonisation of the transport sector, but which in practice would not be at all.
Already in 2020, for example, the non-governmental organization had conducted an initial investigation together with Emissions Analytics, examining the models BMW X5 xDrive 45e, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine. What emerged was very clear. Even with a charged battery and in optimal conditions, the three vehicles tested had emitted between 28 and 89% more CO2 than the type-approval data. With the accumulator discharged, on the other hand, the emissions had been three to eight times higher than the official values.
Now, Transport & Environment again rails against the Plug-in technology, commenting a new study carried out by the Technical University of Graz.
THE NEW INVESTIGATION
The following PHEV models were examined in the new test: a BMW 3 Series, a Peugeot 308 and a Renault Megane. The end result is a strong discrepancy between the official data according to the WLTP cycle and the real ones. How was the investigation conducted? The tests with these cars were conducted, says Transport & Environment, both on a classic commuter route and on a city journey. A PEMS (Portable Emissions Measurement Systems) device connected to the cars was used to measure the emissions.
In the classic commuter route (home-work) of 55 km (hybrid mode, the “default”) Peugeot and Renault emitted 33 – 50 g/km of CO2, i.e. 20% and 70% more than the official values. It is worth noting that the cars started with a charged battery. The BMW model, on the other hand, has come to emit over 100 g/km of CO2, i.e. 3 times the declared values. Result that improves using the system “Anticipatory hybrid drives” which ensures the efficient distribution of the consumption of available electricity along the entire journey. However, to use it it is necessary to set a route using the navigator. An inconvenient solution, especially if the route to be taken is known. However, in this case it is it was possible to reduce emissions to 67 g/km (twice the official value).
To make the best use of the Plug-ins, the battery must always be recharged. Otherwise, of course, consumption and emissions rise drastically. Further evidence comes from this new study. During the test with low battery in the city, the BMW and Peugeot models achieved emission levels of around 200 g/km of CO2. Renault, on the other hand, “stopped” at 138 g/km of CO2.
The test wanted then deepen the autonomy in electric-only mode of these cars. When driving in the city of Graz, the electric range of all three PHEV models was less than 50 km. Specifically, BMW achieved an electric range 26% lower and Peugeot 47% lower than officially declared. Only Renault has achieved the range foreseen by the homologation data.
Transport & Environment has then pointed the finger at the geofencing system with which BMW is equipped. This is a system that uses GPS to automatically switch to electric-only mode in urban areas. According to reports, the tests in Graz showed that despite the presence of this technical solution, the internal combustion engine was still activated a couple of times in the city. Therefore, according to the study, the system does not really guarantee zero-emission driving in urban areas.
Thus, the non-governmental organization points out that this new test proves once again that PHEV models do not allow for a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions and they cannot guarantee zero-emission driving in cities. For this reason, he requests that Governments no longer treat Plug-in models on a par with electric cars in terms of concessions both in terms of incentives and in terms of certain benefits such as access to zero-emission areas of cities.
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