Hybrid cars: why your plug-in hybrid could soon lose its benefits

Spain’s plug in hybrid car party has officially ended, and now the hangover is kicking hard. A sweeping law change, now live as of 2025, has pulled the plug on what many saw as a cushy loophole for PHEVs — plug-in hybrid electric vehicles — which until now were quietly sipping tax breaks and cruising through low-emissions zones under false green pretences.

These so-called eco-warriors, often flaunting “0 emissions” DGT stickers, are being exposed for what they truly are — petrol guzzlers in green clothing.

Green dreams, dirty reality

For many years, PHEVs have been treated as the poster child of the electric revolution. Official fuel consumption figures You can also find out more about the following: Less than 2 litres of fuel per 100km — some even as low as 0.8L/100km. What powered these wonder machines?

The problem is that the tests were run with fully charged batteries and short driving cycles — meaning these SUV-sized beasts There was barely a touchThe combustion engines were not used. Most of the tests were done solely with batteries. This was like measuring Mo Farah’s time on a scooter, and calling it a “marathon”.

What is the truth? These vehicles are guzzlers in real-world driving Fuel consumption is 230% higher than advertisedAccording to Spain’s Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) You can also read about the European Commission.

According to reports, real CO₂ levels came in 3.5 times higher than the lab-tested numbers — with the Commission admitting many of these cars aren’t even driven in electric mode often enough to earn their clean credentials.

Enter Euro 6e

In response, Brussels has unleashed a new certification regime — Euro 6e-bis — with sharper teeth.

The generous testing conditions are gone. Plug-in hybrids will no longer be able to coast through the testing process on their battery alone. The new test cycle is 2,200km long (up from 800km). They’re forced to use their petrol engines more — and that means the real fuel consumption figures are finally being dragged into the light.

Both carmakers and motorists will be affected by the change. The CAFE regulation (Corporate-Average Fuel Emissions) requires that brands ensure that their vehicles emit no more than 95g/km of CO₂ on average — or face massive EU fines.

Until now, plug-in hybrids were the magic bullet — helping manufacturers lower their fleet averages with artificially deflated emissions. Under Euro 6e Bis, this trick is gone.

Plug-in perks unplugged

Who are the biggest losers in this world? It’s double trouble: Car brands You can also find out more about the following: Future buyers.

Hybrid owners will still be able to take advantage of their benefits until 2025, but after that date new models will need to meet a tougher standard. And from December 31, 2025, even older models still on sale must be re-certified — which will likely see their official fuel consumption figures revised UpwardsAccording to reality.

This could lead to higher taxes, more restrictive city access and a significant drop in the resale price of what was once considered a smart choice.

Some carmakers may have to make changes to their models or even slow down the production of hybrids to avoid fines. Peugeot, Seat, Hyundai — no one is safe.

Carmakers are back at the drawing boards.

Then, you can read more. Spain news and information for residents.