Euro 6e-bis

The End of Plug-in Hybrids?

Since January 1, 2025, the Euro 6e-bis standard has come into effect, bringing with it a tightening of the approval rules for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). Behind these new measures lies the European Union's desire to make CO2 emissions more representative of reality. It’s an ambitious initiative, but one that could also undermine the attractiveness of these models and redefine the strategies of automakers.

More Realistic Tests 

The new Euro 6e-bis tests introduce driving simulations over 2,200 km, compared to only 800 km previously. This extension aims to better reflect the actual use of PHEVs, whose advertised low emissions were often difficult to replicate in everyday life. Take the example of the BMW X1 xDrive25e: its certified emissions of 45 g/km rise to 96 g/km under the new rules. For some models, the values double, and future standards planned for 2027 will further reinforce this trend. This reality will not surprise those familiar with the industry. PHEV certification figures, such as the famous 37 g/km of CO2 displayed by a BMW M5 4.4 V8 plug-in hybrid with over 700 horsepower, reflected a certain "flexibility" in the calculations. That era now seems to be over.

A Major Blow to Tax Incentives 

The immediate consequence of these new standards will be felt in the realm of taxation. Until now, the low emissions of PHEVs allowed them to benefit from significant subsidies and tax advantages, particularly for businesses. But with recalculated emissions on the rise, these benefits are likely to disappear in many countries. A model exceeding 50 g/km could lose all appeal for company fleets due to far less favorable tax policies. For manufacturers, this presents a major challenge. Plug-in hybrids had become a crucial lever for reducing the average emissions of their fleets and avoiding European fines linked to CO2 thresholds. With a lower limit of 93.6 g/km in 2025 (compared to 115.1 g/km in 2024), the pressure is ramping up. Each gram above the limit costs 95 euros per vehicle sold.

A Transitional Technology 

The plug-in hybrid seemed like the perfect solution to combine performance, electric range, and low emissions. But the situation is becoming more complicated. Although the electric range of some models now exceeds 100 km, making these vehicles relevant for daily commutes, the 50 g/km threshold is becoming increasingly difficult to meet. Europe appears to be sending a strong signal: the future is fully electric. However, this transition raises questions. The queues at charging stations, particularly evident on holiday routes, show that infrastructure is not yet keeping pace with the massive shift to electrification. By betting almost exclusively on electric vehicles, is Europe moving too fast? Consumers are already questioning the practicality of these changes.

A Double-Edged European Strategy 

While Europe clearly aims to accelerate the energy transition, it also imposes a real puzzle on manufacturers. The Euro 6e-bis standards, though less drastic than the upcoming Euro 7, reinforce the idea that the PHEV is a transitional technology, destined to disappear in the medium term. Is this approach relevant in a context where demand for efficient and adaptable hybrid solutions is still strong? At WOT, we see these new standards as an opportunity to think about more innovative solutions, while emphasizing the importance of not rushing the process. PHEVs still have their place, but the European regulatory framework risks marginalizing these models, which are often much more suitable than fully electric vehicles for certain uses. One thing is certain: the future of the automotive industry will be neither linear nor uniform. To be continued.