FLEETDRIVE
FLEETDRIVE
• PHEVs can run only on electricity
• PHEVs are ultimately environmentally friendly
However, the EDO countered these claims, saying that a PHEV’ s environmental impact depends on how it is used by its driver and its life-cycle emissions are equally distant from both FEVs and ICE vehicles. In relation to the Paris Agreement and the 1.5 ° C limit, PHEVs and ICE vehicles need to be eradicated by the year 2035.
On the other hand, manufacturers often introduce their hybrids as“ self-charging,” which implies that hybrids do not require petrol or extraneous power source. Furthermore, this claim extends the implication that hybrids do not contribute to environmental damage. In actuality, hybrid vehicles still use petrol to run and may even have higher emissions compared to EVs.
Lastly, there is a misleading notion in auto marketing that claims hybrids and PHEVs are electric. These marketing claims conflate hybrids and PHEVs with EVs, implying that they are also zero-emission. This is far from the truth as hybrids and PHEVs still have a petrol component that enables them to emit carbon and more.
What does this mean for me?
Before any purchasing or manufacturing takes place, it is important to be fully informed of greenwashing and how to distinguish it in the real world, especially for those keen on reducing their carbon footprints or fuel costs.
Buyers who are interested in hybrids or PHEVs are recommended to research and evaluate their choices thoroughly. Guides like the Australian Automobile Association’ s“ Do your homework before choosing a hybrid vehicle” provide ample information for aspiring hybrid buyers.
For fleet owners and managers, we recommend Forbes’ article on the effects of greenwashing on your fleet. The article’ s main piece of advice is that:“ Sustainability is not all or nothing.” Confusing sustainable solutions for quick fixes will not make a fleet sustainable in the long-run. Instead, solutions that balance both cost and environmental impact is more beneficial for fleets.
ISSUE 53 JUNE 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU 11