Hybrid cars' environmental impact questioned

author: FutureCar Staff    

Research has found that major car brands may be making misleading claims about hybrid electric vehicles, suggesting that they may not be as environmentally friendly as consumers think. The study, released by the Environmental Defenders Office, highlighted questionable marketing tactics used by car manufacturers, such as calling plug-in hybrid vehicles "the best of both worlds" and referring to hybrids as "self-charging cars," despite the fact that both types of vehicles rely on petrol. The report also raised concerns about the net-zero pledges made by car brands, as many have yet to commit to ending the production of petrol cars by 2035.

The study, titled "Driving Change or Just Filling Up the Tank," comes after the Environmental Defenders Office previously raised concerns about Toyota's marketing practices with Australia's consumer watchdog. The report analyzed claims from major car manufacturers to determine if they overstated the positive impacts of their products or sought to mislead buyers. According to Kirsty Ruddock, the EDO safety climate managing lawyer, misleading claims in the automotive industry can be particularly harmful, as transportation accounts for 23% of global carbon emissions. Misleading information may delay consumers' decision-making and prevent them from making informed choices.

The research found that plug-in hybrid vehicles were often marketed as having "all the benefits of an electric vehicle" without the charging challenges, even though they used petrol engines almost twice as often as expected. Additionally, marketing claims that hybrid vehicles were "self-charging" gave the impression that they did not require an external power source, despite relying on petrol to operate and producing higher lifetime emissions than electric cars. The study also highlighted that some brands referred to hybrid vehicles as electric without mentioning their use of petrol, using slogans like "electric for everyone" and "live it electric with hybrid."

Kirsty Ruddock stated that these marketing terms could confuse consumers who are trying to make greener choices. The Environmental Defenders Office plans to provide this material to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to assist with their education and enforcement activities. The ACCC previously revealed that 11 out of 29 vehicle brands surveyed showed signs of "greenwashing" and made claims that raised concerns. The commission has since published draft guidance for companies making claims about cars, emphasizing that promises should accurately represent emissions produced throughout a vehicle's entire life-cycle.

In conclusion, the study raises important questions about the marketing tactics used by major car brands and their claims about hybrid electric vehicles. It highlights the potential for misleading information that may impact consumers' decision-making and their ability to make sustainable choices. The findings will be shared with the ACCC to support their efforts in educating and enforcing regulations in the automotive industry.

FutureCar Staff