Hybrid Dilemma: Will Plug-In Cars Decrease Oil Demand or Drive It Up?

Is it likely that plug-in hybrids will require charging, or will they contribute to an increase in oil consumption? Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has recently analyzed that the worldwide number of traditional fuel-powered vehicles will hit its maximum in 2025, and the role of plug-in hybrids could influence if this results in a drop in the need for oil.

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the highest point of sales for traditional fuel-powered vehicles occurred in 2017, with projections indicating a 29% drop by 2027. Although the expectation is that electric vehicles will lead the charge in reducing carbon emissions from road transportation, current trends show a deceleration in their sales within mature markets, alongside a resurgence of interest in plug-in hybrid models, as observed by market experts.

Analysts have discovered that the average electric range for plug-in hybrids has risen to 80 kilometers (approximately 49.7 miles) in 2023. However, the proportion of distance covered using electric power varies significantly, ranging from 11% to 54%, with variations depending on the country and the category of driver.

Utilization of hybrid electric vehicles with plug-in capabilities and the worldwide need for oil (as reported by Bloomberg New Energy Finance)

BNEF has pointed out that if people are choosing PHEVs over BEVs and not making the most of the electric driving capabilities, it could lead to an increase in the need for oil. Meanwhile, in the States, the latest rules from the EPA might be letting these hybrid vehicles off the hook, and there's no certainty about how frequently owners will actually charge them.

According to the study, the electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing varying rates of growth. Sales in certain countries like the United States, Germany, and Italy are decelerating, prompting car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, to lower their EV sales projections. Conversely, countries such as China, India, and France continue to report robust increases in EV sales.

Globally, electric vehicle purchases continue to rise, fueled by their increasing popularity in emerging markets. Nations such as Thailand, India, Turkey, and Brazil are experiencing unprecedented levels of EV purchases due to the introduction of affordable models aimed at the domestic consumer base. BNEF notes that a significant portion of these vehicles are supplied by Chinese producers looking to penetrate new markets.

BYD Shark is a hybrid pickup truck that can be charged

BNEF highlights that declining costs of batteries are generally beneficial for the electric vehicle industry. Goldman Sachs had previously mentioned that a significant 40% reduction in the price of batteries could see electric vehicles matching the cost of traditional gas-powered vehicles in certain market segments by next year, even without financial incentives. Additionally, the growing adoption of LFP battery cells is expected to lower the need for materials like nickel and manganese, which will further enhance the affordability and ecological benefits of electric vehicles, as observed by BNEF.

The analysis also highlights a distinction between the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and the rate at which current vehicle fleets are updated. According to BNEF's projections, even with a swift uptake of EVs, the global fleet of passenger vehicles will not reach a 50% electric composition. This raises concerns both domestically and internationally about whether regulatory bodies are excessively concentrated on the selling of EVs, while potentially neglecting the phasing out of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

Labels:

Participate:

Readers of this article typically enjoy:

Spread the Word:

Reach Out to the Author:

Stay Updated:

Subscribe to the Green Car Reports Newsletter

Register to receive daily updates on the newest eco-friendly vehicles and environmental developments straight to your email!

I consent to getting emails from Green Car Reports. I acknowledge that I have the option to opt-out whenever I choose. Privacy Policy.

The Volkswagen ID.4 model for the year 2025 retains the updates from 2024, which include increased battery life and performance, improved user interaction, and an advanced voice assistant powered by artificial intelligence.

Porsche expands its app with additional charging stations. The EV tax credit at purchase is gaining traction. Plus, could plug-in hybrids contribute to rising oil use down the line? All this and more on Green Car Reports. Bloomberg New Energy Finance presents its yearly forecast on EV sales, indicating that…

Many sites also cater to plug-in hybrid vehicles by providing Level 2 destination charging stations.

The EV tax credit, which had a sluggish uptake in early 2024, is now predominantly claimed through the point-of-sale rebate system.

We embark on an initial spin in the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. The 2025 Nissan Leaf sees its EV tax incentive vanish once more. Meanwhile, Tesla's Supercharger grid hits a snag, Ionna gains momentum. All this and more, right here on Green Car Reports. Our assessment of the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid revealed that this model stands out in its category…

The Honda Civic Hybrid, set to release in 2025, seems like a logical choice, particularly for individuals seeking a vehicle that offers good gas mileage without drawing too much attention.

The price tag on the Leaf remains essentially the same compared to its 2024 counterpart, but for reasons unknown, it misses out on the $3,750 tax credit that the 2024 version benefits from.

The initial rapid-charging stations for electric vehicles, which are part of a project backed by seven car manufacturers, are set to launch later in the year and will accommodate both NACS and CCS plug types.

A research indicates that Tesla's dominance in the Supercharger arena is diminishing in comparison to rival public charging systems. Certain versions of the Nissan Ariya are being recalled due to a traditional oil leak issue. Meanwhile, the Chevy Blazer EV has seen a reduction in its starting price. Stay tuned for more updates here at Green Car Reports, where we've also learned that Chevrolet has slashed the entry-level cost…

A manufacturing defect in a limited batch of Ariya EVs may cause unusual deterioration in the motor assembly, potentially resulting in diminished performance.

Research indicates that while the Tesla Supercharger system's customer satisfaction levels may not have declined, competing charging networks are showing enhancements.

Associated Content

Top Picks

Image Gallery

Updates

Press

Feeds

Organization

Connect With Us Now: