Experimental testing of Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. CO2-emission, energy consumption and local pollution

Two Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) were tested in an exhaust emission laboratory at 23°C, and at -7°C, using a combination of different drive cycles and user selectable drive modes, to uncover their CO2-emissions, energy consumption and emissions of local pollutants. The results were compared with measurements on Internal Combustion Engine versions of the same vehicles (ICEVs) to estimate the average potential reductions that can be achieved over a year of driving. The overall result is that the PHEV with a range of about 30 km can have 30% less CO2-emission over a year of driving, and a PHEV with 50 km E-mode range can have a 50% reduction, without average local emissions exceeding the limits in the exhaust regulations. Local emissions can however be elevated in some driving conditions, such as driving in cold climate with high loads and an empty battery. Results should be interpreted with caution as only two vehicles were tested.