Plug-in hybrids use far more gasoline in the real world than is accounted for by regulatory agencies. That’s according to a new analysis of data from the Council on Clean Transportation, the research group that gave birth to Volkswagen’s dieselgate scandal.
Plug-in hybrids are in the crosshairs after Dieselgate
The ICCT analyzed data from Fuelly, an app that helps drivers track fuel efficiency, and from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). It then compared that data with estimates from regulatory agencies and found that these vehicles don’t use electrical power as often as the EPA assumed it was being used.
This could have significant implications for how plug-in hybrid cars are regulated. This is because they seem to produce more emissions and use more gasoline than previously thought. So it’s safe to say that the next vehicles to come under fire are likely to be plug-in hybrids.
The data showed that these vehicles consume between 42 and 67% more fuel than the EPA suggests.
ICCT achieved even more dramatic results in a previous study conducted in Europe. In that study, fuel use and emissions from plug-in hybrids were 3 to 5 times higher than estimates would suggest.
In this regard, some recommendations were given, one of which is essentially intended for manufacturers. That said, it is hoped that they can encourage regular charging.
However it is curious that in some cases many of these differences for real use are due to problems with the chargers.
At the moment, the use of charging stations is governed by one of the basic principles of society. In other words, respect. However, much more needs to be done soon. This is due to what is happening in terms of loading in some places. In Portugal, but also in the rest of the world. In fact, something that is becoming so serious at some points that soon to charge an electric vehicle we will have to go to a gym. At least to make it easier to defend yourself.
Several companies have already spoken about this and even outside the company LeaseElectricCar.co.uk also went public to say that it is urgent to create a code of conduct to put an end to situations with motorists who argue at charging points. That said, drivers report numerous incidents with angry drivers arguing over who will use which charging point next. There are even people suddenly turning off other vehicles so they can use the charger.
Are some charging stations to blame?
One of the factors pointed out for problems in shipments is the stations themselves. This is because we have a lot of slow chargers. So people, after seeing some cars standing there for so long, simply turn them off.
In addition to these disconnects, it is often not easy to understand who is following and this also gives rise to serious problems that often start with verbal aggression and quickly turn to physical aggression.
The rules that avoid serious problems
To avoid many problems that will increase with the passage of more and more people to electric vehicles, there are rules that must be followed. The first is soon one of the biggest golden rules.
Attention where you park
Unless your car can use a charging point then this bay is not for you. Parking a combustion car in a charging bay is known as “ICE’ing”. You won’t win friends or admiration. Eventually a trip to the ER if things go really wrong.
Do not use a fast charger if your vehicle charges slowly
If your vehicle does not support fast charging, do not connect it to a charger with these characteristics. All because it will simply take a long time to load and when only one vehicle is served, they could load two or three.
When you’ve loaded it’s time to go
The fast charger is not for parking. So it’s to load and move on. Sometimes people leave the car charging, go somewhere and only come back a little later. The place is occupied for nothing. Then they can get to the car and have a nasty present.
Some suggestions for those who have electric vehicles
However, however right you may be, do not resort to violence. If you calmly explain to the other person why you shouldn’t do a certain thing quickly, you’ll forget about the annoyance. However, a conviction for violence takes longer to forget.
Try to combine quick loads with similar duration activities. Visiting a local cafe, a timed walk, or something like that.
