Status: 10/19/2021 8:11 a.m.
Plug-in hybrids sell well because the state encourages them to buy. But the criticism of the type of drive is getting louder: In electrical operation, they are apparently less common than previously assumed.
The demand for so-called plug-in hybrid cars is growing. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, 11.6 percent of the new registrations in September were such combination models consisting of a combustion engine and an electric motor. The plug-in hybrid is something like the entry-level model for all those who are open to electrical technology but do not yet really trust the charging network and the range. The right thing for those who do not want to miss the convenience of a combustion engine.
Thomas Vollmer is one of them. With his 7 Series BMW as a plug-in model, he drives electrically, especially in urban areas; his luxury sedan only switches to petrol mode on the autobahn: “A green conscience just drives with you.” He recharges the electric motor at home by cable. This is also how manufacturers and politicians imagine the purchase with up to 6750 euros. The criticism of it is growing. Environmental associations in particular suspect that many think more of this premium than of the environment when purchasing a product.
When the employer pays for the fuel
More than half of the plug-in hybrids are used as company cars – and this is where things get exciting. Studies by the Fraunhofer Institute show that business drivers charge the car significantly less often than private individuals. Company cars would have an electric driving share of 18 percent, private cars would have 43 percent.
However, the hybrids only have a better ecological balance compared to the normal combustion engine at 50 percent, according to Patrick Plötz from the Fraunhofer Institute in Karlsruhe. He evaluated the data from 100,000 plug-in hybrids worldwide and also found: “Real consumption is two to four times as high as stated in test cycles and advertising. This is mainly due to the fact that the vehicles are charged significantly less than expected. ”
Deviations between the real or laboratory values are not uncommon – but such differences even surprised him. So if manufacturers advertise a consumption of two liters per 100 kilometers, the actual consumption is closer to four to eight liters. The CO2 emissions are correspondingly higher.
Do you only pay out the premium when you use the electrical system?
The Netherlands and Great Britain have now discontinued their state subsidy programs for plug-in hybrids. In Germany, the so-called “innovation premium” was extended by the state until 2025; However, from the coming year onwards, plug-in hybrids will only be funded if they have a minimum range of 60 kilometers in pure electric operation and from 2025 of at least 80 kilometers.
That’s the theory. Klaus-Peter Gussfeld from BUND Baden-Württemberg doubts whether drivers will then connect their cars to the charging station more often in practice. Plugins in their previous use are a sham, he thinks a downstream funding is more sensible: “Funding should only be paid out if it is really proven that at least 70 to 80 percent of the mileage is electric.” The required data could be evaluated via the on-board computer after about two years.
The Federal Ministry of Economics wants to examine such a procedure. That will take a year and a half. And so leasing companies expect that unused charging cables will also be returned to them in the future.