A recent study by the European Union has uncovered a significant discrepancy between the actual carbon dioxide emissions of plug-in hybrid cars and the figures reported in official tests. According to the environmental NGO Transport&Environment (T&E), these vehicles emit 145 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which is only 14% less than traditional internal combustion engine cars, which emit 169 grams per kilometer. This finding contradicts the common perception that plug-in hybrids are a greener alternative to conventional cars. The EU's findings, published in early September, reveal that the average CO2 emissions from plug-in hybrid vehicles are six times higher than what official tests suggest. These real-world measurements were obtained by installing consumption sensors on 220,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles across Europe. In contrast, manufacturers typically rely on laboratory tests, which are conducted under controlled conditions that do not reflect real driving scenarios, such as varying speeds, weather conditions, or driving habits. Bastien Gebel, head of decarbonization in the automotive industry at T&E France, criticized plug-in hybrids as a form of "greenwashing" by the automotive sector. In a press release, he stated that these vehicles are often marketed as an ecological solution, but in reality, they have a significant environmental impact. Gebel argued that consumers are being misled, as they pay a premium for these cars, only to find out later that their environmental benefits are much lower than advertised. The study highlights a growing concern about the accuracy of emissions data and the need for more transparent and realistic testing methods. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, the findings underscore the importance of ensuring that new technologies genuinely contribute to reducing carbon emissions and do not mislead consumers about their environmental impact.