Plug-in hybrids are back, but two new EU rules will make them significantly more expensive to own and drive. 2026 and 2027 will be a steel bath.
As the range of electricity has increased, plug-in hybrids have become increasingly popular again. Many people find that 10 miles on electricity covers their everyday driving and not having to charge on long journeys is nice.
But now dark clouds are visible on the horizon. On January 1, 2025, the stricter emission rules Euro 6e-bis will be introduced within the EU, which means that WLTP is measured in a new way that better reflects real consumption.
New measurement method for WLTP results in higher vehicle tax
The consumption is measured with both an empty and a charged battery and then the values are weighted depending on how long the range is on electricity. The new rules apply to cars that go on sale from 1 January 2026.
As the WLTP figures are the basis for the calculation of vehicle tax, plug-in hybrids manufactured from 2026 onwards will receive a higher tax.
This will probably make models with a short electric range less interesting in the market. Another consequence is that newer plug-in hybrids will have higher WLTP consumption than older models, even though the reality is the opposite.
In 2027, car manufacturers will be forced into longer electric range. Then Euro 6e-bis-FCM will be introduced, which requires around four times as long electric range than today. Exactly how these rules will be designed is not yet clear. It will be decided during the autumn.
The petrol price will rise – may reach SEK 40/l
Since the reduction obligation was lowered at the turn of the year, we have enjoyed relatively low fuel prices. In 2027, prices will surely rise radically again. The reason is a new way of calculating emission rights, which is part of the EU legislative package Fit for 55.
The new emissions rights are called ETS 2 and will have a common pricing across the EU and affect the costs of fuel, air travel and more. It simply becomes more expensive to emit carbon dioxide.
– We have had meetings with representatives in the fuel industry who believe that the fuel price can increase to up to SEK 40 per liter, says Peder Blohm Bokenhielm, spokesperson for the Fuel Rebellion to Carup.
Not everyone is so pessimistic. The German think tank Agora Energiewende’s analysis shows an increase of SEK 4.50 per liter.
Trading in ETS 2 will start in 2027, but the start can be postponed until 2028.
