The reality of broadcasting revealed
The introduction of the Euro 6e-bis standard reveals an uncomfortable truth for manufacturers and owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles. The new, much more rigorous type-approval protocols highlight the real environmental performance of these vehicles, which is often far from the figures advertised.
This regulatory change could not only redefine the perception of PHEVs, but also significantly influence carmakers' strategies and consumer choices in the years to come.
Tests more representative of real use
The Euro 6e-bis standard introduces major changes to the certification process for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). These new provisions aim to close the significant gap between theoretical and actual emissions, long a source of controversy in the automotive industry.
The homologation protocol has been considerably strengthened to better reflect the conditions in which PHEVs are used on a daily basis. The simulated test distance has been increased from 800 km to 2,200 km, providing a more accurate picture of performance over longer distances. In addition, the temperature range has been extended, from 0°C to 35°C in normal conditions, and up to 38°C in extreme conditions, to take account of real-life climatic variations.
These changes have a considerable impact on the emissions values reported. For example, a BMW X1 xDrive25ewhich previously had CO2 emissions of 45g/km, sees this figure rise to 96g/km under the new standard. This dramatic increase highlights the gap between the advertised performance and the actual use of PHEVs, where drivers only use the electric mode 11 to 15% of the time.
These more rigorous tests reveal an uncomfortable reality: According to Transport & Environment PHEVs emit on average 3.5 times more CO2 than the officially approved figures. This situation is largely explained by sub-optimal use of electric mode, often due to a lack of regular recharging of the battery by users.
How will the new Euro 6e-bis standard reveal the true fuel consumption of plug-in hybrids?
This new standard marks a decisive turning point in the assessment of emissions from plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). The new regulations aim to close the gap that has long existed between the theoretical and actual emissions of these vehicles, revealing a reality that is far less flattering than the figures announced until now.
The data collected by the European Commission highlights this significant difference. The actual CO2 emissions of PHEVs are on average 3.5 times higher than the type-approval values, a difference of 100g CO2/km. The main reason for this disparity is that drivers use electric mode far less frequently than expected.
This spectacular increase in official emissions is not without consequences. Many plug-in hybrid models, previously exempt from ecologic malusThis would call into question their tax attractiveness for both individuals and businesses.
The new type-approval method, which extends the test distance from 800 to 2,200 kilometres and widens the temperature range from 0°C to 35°C, provides a much truer picture of the real environmental performance of plug-in hybrids. This regulatory change could well mark the beginning of the end for plug-in hybrids as we know them today, prompting manufacturers to rethink their strategy or accelerate their transition to fully electric solutions.
Will Euro 6e-bis sound the death knell for plug-in hybrids?
The application of the Euro 6e-bis standard represents a major overhaul of the methods used to assess the environmental performance of plug-in hybrid vehicles. This new approach aims to close the gap that often exists between theoretical and actual emissions, by imposing much more rigorous test conditions that are representative of everyday vehicle use. These substantial changes to the type-approval process could have a major impact on the attractiveness and economic viability of PHEVs, calling into question their place in the future automotive landscape.
From 800 to 2200 km: an extended test track
One of the most significant aspects of the new regulations is the considerable extension of the test route, from 800 km to 2,200 km. This increase in test distance is intended to reflect more closely the real-life use of PHEVs by drivers in their daily driving.
In addition to this extension, the standard also widens the range of simulated temperatures, from 0°C to 35°C in normal conditions, and up to 38°C in extreme conditions. The aim of these changes is to provide a more accurate and realistic assessment of the CO2 emissions of plug-in hybrid vehicles, highlighting their true environmental impact.
Extended test conditions for greater precision
The main change concerns the distance covered during type-approval tests. Previously limited to 800 km, this distance is now increased to 2,200 km for the Euro 6e-bis standard. This substantial increase means that the performance of PHEVs can be assessed over a period that is more representative of their everyday use. A further extension to 4,260 km is planned for 2027 with the introduction of the Euro 6e-bis-FCM standard. The aim of these new test distances is to :
- Measure fuel consumption and CO2 emissions more accurately in real-life conditions
- Assess theautonomy PHEVs over longer periods of time
- Take account of users' recharging habits, which are often less frequent than initially assumed
This more rigorous approach is likely to lead to significantly higher emissions figures for many PHEV models, calling into question their status as 'clean' vehicles.
The technical and economic challenge for manufacturers
Faced with this new regulatory reality, carmakers are faced with a complex dilemma. The dramatic increase in official CO2 emissions for plug-in hybrid vehicles not only threatens their fiscal attractiveness, but also calls into question the very relevance of this technology. Manufacturers must now rethink their development and production strategies to adapt to these new requirements, while maintaining the competitiveness of their models in a rapidly changing market.
Increasing battery capacity: a costly solution
Faced with the requirements of the new Euro 6e-bis standard, carmakers are considering increasing the battery capacity of plug-in hybrid vehicles to improve their electric range during type-approval tests. However, this approach has some major drawbacks :
- Vehicle production costs would rise significantly, and this would be passed on to consumers in the final price.
- The environmental impact would be greater because of the larger batteries required.
- There is a risk that these larger batteries will be under-used in real-life driving conditions, so the extra cost is not justified.
This solution, although technically viable, could make plug-in hybrids less attractive in economic terms, both for manufacturers and for potential buyers.
What's more, the increased weight of the vehicle due to these larger batteries could paradoxically be detrimental to overall energy efficiency, thereby compromising the initial objective of reducing emissions.
The uncertain future of plug-in hybrids
The new test conditions imposed by the Euro 6e-bis standard have a considerable impact on the declared emissions values of PHEVs. Taking the previous example, a BMW X1 xDrive25e sees its official emissions rise from 45 g/km to 96 g/km of CO2. This spectacular increase in official emissions is not without consequences for manufacturers and consumers, calling into question the economic and ecological viability of this technology.
An accelerated transition to the electric 100%?
This standard could well sound the death knell for plug-in hybrids, speeding up the transition to 100% electric vehicles. Several factors converge to support this hypothesis:
- Tougher standards: Stricter emissions requirements are making plug-in hybrid technology less competitive with all-electric vehicles.
- Infrastructure developments: The increasing deployment of charging points is facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles, reducing the appeal of the plug-in hybrid as an intermediate solution.
- Technological advances: Advances in battery technology are increasing the range of electric vehicles, gradually eliminating range anxiety.
- Incentive policies: Many European governments are stepping up measures to promote zero-emission vehicles, to the detriment of hybrid technologies.
This convergence of factors points to an acceleration in the transition to all-electricity, potentially faster than initially predicted by carmakers and automotive market analysts.
Euro 6e-bis-FCM 2027: What impact will this have on plug-in hybrids?
The outlook for plug-in hybrids looks even bleaker with the planned introduction of the Euro 6e-bis FCM standard in 2027. These new regulations could well be the final straw for this technology. Here are the main changes:
- The simulated distance for type-approval tests will be increased to 4,260 km, almost twice as far as the current Euro 6e-bis standard.
- This significant increase in test distance is likely to push CO2 emissions to even higher levels.
- For example, a BMW X1 xDrive25e could see its emissions rise from 96 g/km under Euro 6e-bis to 122 g/km with Euro 6e-bis-FCM.
These changes could have dramatic consequences for manufacturers and consumers alike. Many plug-in hybrids, which until now have been exempt from the environmental penalty, could now be subject to it. This could make these vehicles far less attractive from a tax point of view, for both private individuals and businesses.
Faced with these challenges, some manufacturers may even consider abandoning plug-in hybrid technology in favour of 100% electric vehicles.
The consequences for consumers and the market
The Euro 6e-bis standard is having significant repercussions for consumers and the automotive market. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), hitherto seen as a solution for the ecological transition, are seeing their appeal diminish considerably.
Firstly, the increase in official CO2 emissions means a substantial rise in the ecological penalty. For example, a BMW X1 xDrive25e, which previously had CO2 emissions of 45 g/km, sees this figure rise to 96 g/km under the new standard.
Although this level of emissions remains below the threshold for triggering the environmental penalty in 2025 (set at 118 g/km), this increase foreshadows changes to come. With the introduction of the Euro 6e-bis-FCM standard scheduled for 2027, emissions from this same vehicle could reach 122 g/km, making it subject to the environmental penalty.
Currently, for a vehicle emitting 122 g/km of CO2, the ecological penalty in 2025 is €150. However, according to the provisional scale planned for 2027, this amount would rise to €1,074, making these vehicles considerably less attractive from a tax point of view, for both private individuals and businesses.
At the same time, the BMW X1 xDrive25e is also subject to a weight-related penalty. With a weight of 1820 kg, and after deducting the 200 kg allowed for plug-in hybrids, this vehicle is subject to a weight-based penalty based on 1620 kg. In 2025, this represents a cost of €1,300.
So, between the CO2 penalty and the weight penalty, the tax costs for this type of vehicle are increasing considerably and could have a serious impact on its appeal in the years to come.
| BMW X1 xDrive25e | 2025 | 2027* |
|---|---|---|
Standard | Euro 6e-bis (in force) | Euro 6e-bis-FCM (in force in 2027) |
CO2 emissions | 96 g/km CO2 | 122 g/km CO2 |
Ecological Malus | 0 € | 1074 € |
Weight penalty | 1300 € | 1300 €** |
Total | 1300 € | 2374 € |
Δ€ | +1074 € | |
Δ% | + 82,6% | |
*According to the provisional scales published for 2027.
**The amount may increase, as the rates are not yet available.
Secondly, manufacturers face a dilemma. To improve electric range and reduce emissions during type approval tests, they may be tempted to increase battery capacity. However, this solution comes up against two major obstacles: a significant additional cost for the consumer and an increased environmental impact due to the production of larger batteries.
Finally, this regulatory change could accelerate the transition to electric 100% vehicles. Manufacturers will be forced to rethink their strategy to meet average CO2 emission targets for their entire fleet. This could lead to a shift in investment towards zero-emission solutions, to the detriment of plug-in hybrid technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Euro 6e-bis standard, which comes into force on 1 January 2025, marks a decisive turning point for the automotive industry, particularly for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). These new regulations, with their more rigorous type-approval tests that are representative of real-world use, reveal the significant gap between the theoretical and actual emissions of PHEVs. The consequences are manifold:
- A substantial increase in official CO2 emissions for many PHEV models.
- The tax attractiveness of these vehicles is being called into question, with an increased risk of ecological penalties.
- A technical and economic challenge for manufacturers, who are being forced to rethink their strategies.
- A possible acceleration in the transition to electric 100% vehicles.
This regulatory development could well mark the beginning of the end for plug-in hybrid technology, reshaping the landscape of sustainable mobility in Europe in the years to come.
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