New emissions rules halt sale of several plug-in hybrids
Production of certain models from VW, Mercedes and Porsche has been paused pending upgrades after introduction of WLTP regulations
Popular plug-in hybrid models from Volkswagen, Mercedes and Porsche have been taken off sale until they comply with new and stiffer regulations on CO2 emissions.
The WLTP regulations (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure) came into effect at the beginning of this month, and under the more taxing tests some models’ official emissions figures have increased.
Several have seen the official range of their fully charged batteries fall, in turn pushing their carbon dioxide emissions figure above 50 grams per kilometre. This is a crucial threshold in many European countries, where cars emitting less than 50g/km can be classed as ‘ultra-low emissions’, qualifying for tax breaks and other benefits.
In most cases, manufacturers will need to fit a bigger battery to conform to the new regulations. Whether the cost of redevelopment is worth it, though, will be decided by the individual manufacturer.
Mercedes has halted the sale of all of its plug-in models, but the S-Class and E-Class will be available to order soon, with a newly facelifted C-Class hybrid on its way next year.
Plug-in versions of Porsche’s Panamera and Cayenne have also been taken off sale. With the brand’s recent commitment to remove diesel from its model line-up, the only Porsches now available to buy are pure petrol models.
Volkswagen’s Passat GTE has been off the market for several months because of supply issues, and VW says the model won’t return until the Passat is facelifted next year. The Golf GTE has also been taken off sale, and should also return to market in 2019.
BMW says the 530e is currently available to order, while the 225xe Active Tourer is available albeit with CO2 emissions of 57g/km – above the 50g/km threshold. The brand’s latest X5 hybrid, the xDrive45e iPerformance, promises CO2 emissions of under 50g/km when it arrives next year. The popular 330e hasn’t yet been carried over.
