Skip advert
Advertisement

Plug-in hybrids face stricter emission tests in 2025 as misleading efficiency figures are targeted

More realistic emissions testing could see substantial tax increases for PHEV drivers

Car exhaust emitting white smoke

Plug-in hybrid cars will be subjected to more stringent emissions tests in 2025 to better represent real-world use cycles, Auto Express can confirm. It’s thought the changes could have significant implications for company car drivers, with some models expected to see big jumps in tax bands, which are based on CO2 emissions.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Existing Euro 6e emission standards will be superseded by so-called Euro 6e-bis tests, applicable to all new models launched from 1 January 2025. This will then be updated at the end of the year (31 December) to include all cars on sale, meaning existing models will have to be retested in order to comply.

Previously, the emissions tests were conducted over a simulated distance of 800km (497 miles), but Euro 6e-bis ups this to 2,200km (1,367 miles). To illustrate the effect this has on a PHEV’s emissions and fuel consumption in real world driving, the International Council on Clean Transport (ICCT) analysed the performance of a BMW X1 xDrive25e under the revised conditions. 

The ICCT said: “Over the past several years, it has become evident that the currently used UF curve does not reflect the real usage of PHEVs resulting in unrepresentatively low official CO2 emission values.

“This leads to an excessive gap between the real-world fuel consumption and the official value determined during type-approval.”

The new parameters saw the X1’s emissions rise from around 45g/km, to 96g/km. The X1 has a current Benefit-in-Kind company car tax banding of eight per cent, but the 6e-bis tests would see this number jump to 24 per cent – comparable with the most efficient pure petrol models.

A further advancement in emissions standards is expected in 2027, when ‘Euro 6e-bis-FCM’ comes into force. Under these circumstances, tested over a total distance of 4,260km (2,647 miles), the same BMW is said to emit around 122g/km.

As it stands, only cars bought brand new will be affected by the updated emissions standards; there are no plans to backdate the bandings for existing company car users. This is in contrast to the proposed introduction of VED road tax for electric car drivers due later this year, which will be applicable to both new and existing electric vehicles.

Want the latest car news in your inbox? Sign up to the free Auto Express email newsletter...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025
Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
UK 2030 petrol and diesel sales ban: what is it and what cars are affected?
fuel pump

UK 2030 petrol and diesel sales ban: what is it and what cars are affected?

Labour has brought forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars – we explain what it means for you and your motor
Tips & advice
14 Apr 2025
What is the ZEV Mandate? The Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate and how it affects you
Ioniq 5 - front

What is the ZEV Mandate? The Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate and how it affects you

The Government has recently revised its ZEV Mandate rules; we explain what that means and how it affects you
Tips & advice
8 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025