A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) questions the environmental benefits of hybrid vehicles. Although presented as an ecological alternative to combustion engines, these vehicles are significantly more polluting than 100% electric cars over their entire life cycle.
The study that overturns received ideas
The ICCT conducted an in-depth analysis of the U.S. automotive market, taking into account the entire vehicle life cycle. This study includes:
The results are clear: electric cars are the least emitting greenhouse gases.
Figures that speak for themselves
The study reveals considerable differences between the different engines:
This data is based on charging via the U.S. electrical grid. When electric vehicles are charged with renewable energy, the gap widens further.
The impact of renewable energy
When charging exclusively with renewable energy, the results are even more striking:
Hybrid SUVs emit 4.9 times more greenhouse gases than an equivalent electric SUV over their entire life cycle. As for thermal SUVs, their emissions are 6.7 times higher than those of electric models.
A positive development for electric vehicles
This study updates a previous analysis carried out in 2021. The progress is notable:
In 2021, emissions from electric vehicles were 57% to 68% lower than those of equivalent thermal vehicles.
In 2024, the gap has widened:
Towards a reassessment of environmental policies
These results call into question the policies that encourage the purchase of hybrid vehicles. They highlight the importance of accelerating the transition to 100% electric vehicles and developing charging infrastructures using renewable energies.
The ICCT study sheds new light on the real environmental impact of different engines, inviting us to rethink our mobility choices for a truly sustainable future.