Plug-in-Hybridfahrzeuge Archive - R&U

Plug-in-Hybrid verbraucht deutlich mehr als versprochen? Das können Sie tun

Stefan Selge — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:46:03 +0000

Official manufacturer specifications and actual fuel consumption often differ significantly for many plug-in hybrids. This can be not only financially disadvantageous for buyers and lessees – it may also give rise to legal claims, such as contract rescission, price reduction, or compensation for damages.

lawyer Marco Rogert It explains under what conditions a return is possible and what steps those affected should now consider.

Read the full article at Focus Online here and find out what options are available to you.

Der Beitrag Plug-in-Hybrid verbraucht deutlich mehr als versprochen? Das können Sie tun erschien zuerst auf R&U.

Plug-in-Hybride mit falschen Verbrauchswerten? Schadensersatz und Rücktritt vom Kaufvertrag prüfen lassen

Stefan Selge — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:12:08 +0000

For years, plug-in hybrids were promoted as a climate-friendly bridging technology between electric vehicles and conventional combustion engines. Particularly low WLTP fuel consumption figures, tax advantages, and government subsidy programs made these vehicles economically attractive to many buyers. Manufacturer specifications often suggested fuel consumption of just one to two liters per 100 kilometers – provided the vehicle was used predominantly in electric mode.

Current studies However, other sources paint a different picture. Numerous vehicle owners report significantly higher real-world fuel consumption. This raises the central legal question: Does a substantial discrepancy between official fuel consumption figures and actual everyday consumption constitute a material defect within the meaning of Section 434 of the German Civil Code (BGB)?

New Fraunhofer study: Real-world consumption up to 300 percent higher

A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI), based on real driving data from around one million plug-in hybrid vehicles from the years 2021 to 2023, comes to a clear conclusion: The average real fuel consumption is around six liters per 100 kilometers – and thus around three times higher than many official WLTP figures.

What's remarkable is the data basis. Unlike traditional test bench investigations, this study analyzed real-world driving data from the road, transmitted digitally by the vehicles. This makes it the first study to systematically depict actual everyday use.

Why is the combustion engine activated more frequently?

Many buyers assumed they would be able to operate their vehicle almost exclusively on electric power. In practice, however, it turns out that the combustion engine starts up significantly more often than expected.

The causes include climatic conditions, performance demands during acceleration, software-based protection mechanisms for the battery, and real-world driving profiles that deviate significantly from the standardized WLTP test cycle. Even in predominantly electric mode, measurable fuel consumption occurs.

This raises the question for many affected individuals as to whether the advertised consumption figures are realistically achievable under everyday conditions.

Legal classification: When does a material defect exist?

According to § 434 of the German Civil Code (BGB), an item is defective if it does not possess the agreed-upon or customary quality. In particular, it is decisive whether the consumption specifications have become part of the contractually owed quality or at least give rise to a legitimate expectation of the buyer.

The courts have repeatedly ruled that significant and lasting discrepancies between prospectus information and actual consumption values can constitute a defect – especially if the information was decisive for the purchase.

Depending on the individual case, the following claims may be considered:

withdrawal from the purchase contract
Purchase price reduction
damages
Challenge due to fraudulent misrepresentation
Potential tort claims against the manufacturer

Especially in light of the case law related to the diesel scandal, courts are increasingly critically examining whether manufacturers' information was suitable to economically influence consumers.

Parallels to the diesel scandal?

Also in diesel scandal Officially approved test bench results were in significant contradiction to real-world driving conditions. While the technical reasons differ, the legal question remains whether inherently unrealistic testing procedures present a distorted picture of actual usage.

Should structural and systematic deviations be confirmed, this could create a new area of liability for manufacturers.

Tax advantages and subsidies – a poor economic decision?

Many buyers opted for a plug-in hybrid due to financial incentives such as the 0.5 percent rule for company cars, environmental bonuses, or favorable CO₂ ratings.

However, if actual consumption proves to be significantly higher, this can considerably alter the economic calculations. In such cases, the question arises whether the purchase decision was based on inaccurate consumption assumptions.

Have your claims legally reviewed now.

Current research suggests that numerous buyers of plug-in hybrid vehicles may have been economically disadvantaged.

Whether your specific case involves a material defect, a misleading consumption statement, or a claim for rescission or compensation depends on the individual circumstances.

We will review your contract documents, the advertised consumption figures, and your actual usage situation, and assess possible warranty or tort claims.

Get your case legally assessed now, free of charge and without obligation.
The sooner you act, the better you can protect your rights.

FAQ – Plug-in hybrid fuel consumption and legal rights

Are WLTP fuel consumption figures legally binding?

WLTP values are legally standardized test bench values determined under standardized conditions. They do not constitute a guarantee of individual real-world fuel consumption. However, the legally decisive factor is whether these values have become part of the contractually agreed-upon specifications or at least give rise to a legitimate expectation of the buyer.

At what point does a deviation between WLTP value and real-world consumption constitute a defect?

There is no fixed percentage threshold. The decisive factor is whether the deviation is significant, persistent, and material to the purchase decision. The greater the difference and the stronger the economic impact, the more likely it is that a defect will be considered.

Do I first have to give the seller a deadline for subsequent performance?

Generally, yes. Before withdrawing from a purchase agreement, the seller must usually be given the opportunity to remedy the defect. However, if it is apparent that a technical repair is impossible or unreasonable, setting a deadline may be unnecessary.

Can I take legal action directly against the manufacturer or only against the retailer?

Warranty claims are primarily against the seller (retailer). However, under certain circumstances – such as demonstrably misleading information or intentional misconduct – direct claims for damages may also exist against the manufacturer.

What role do sales brochures and advertising claims play?

Advertising claims and brochure information can be legally relevant if they describe specific characteristics of the vehicle and were decisive for the purchase. They can therefore become part of the agreed-upon condition of the vehicle.

Can I reduce the purchase price if I want to keep the vehicle?

Yes. Instead of withdrawing from the purchase agreement, a price reduction may be considered. The amount depends on the ratio between the actual value of the vehicle and its value when it is in accordance with the contract.

Are lessees also affected?

Lessees may also be affected. Depending on the contract terms, claims may be made against the lessor or, if applicable, against the dealer. The legal assessment depends on the individual case.

What is the significance of tax advantages such as the 0.5 percent rule?

Many buyers based their decision on tax advantages. If actual consumption is significantly higher than expected, the economic calculations can change. This can play a role in the legal assessment of the purchase decision.

Do claims expire and what deadlines apply?

Warranty claims generally expire two years after vehicle handover. Claims based on fraudulent misrepresentation or tortious damages may be subject to longer limitation periods. Therefore, early review is important.

What documents should I have ready for a legal review?

Particularly relevant are the purchase contract, any supplementary agreements, sales brochures, specific consumption figures, service documents, and – if available – documented everyday consumption data. The more precisely the discrepancy can be documented, the better the claim can be assessed.

Der Beitrag Plug-in-Hybride mit falschen Verbrauchswerten? Schadensersatz und Rücktritt vom Kaufvertrag prüfen lassen erschien zuerst auf R&U.

Plug-in-Hybrid im Realitätscheck: Studie zeigt deutlich höheren Kraftstoffverbrauch als offiziell angegeben

Stefan Selge — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:31 +0000

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have been promoted in recent years as the ideal transitional solution between conventional combustion engines and fully electric drive. The concept sounds compelling: short distances purely electric, longer journeys with support from a combustion engine. Official fuel consumption figures of one to two liters per 100 kilometers appear particularly attractive – both ecologically and economically.

However, recent studies show that there are often significant differences between the official test results and real-world consumption.

Study using real vehicle data: Significant deviations from the test bench.

A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI analyzed real-world driving data from approximately one million plug-in hybrid vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023. The data was collected directly from the vehicles, thus reflecting actual usage patterns in road traffic.

The result is clear:

The average real-world fuel consumption was around six liters per 100 kilometers – in some cases three to five times higher than the official WLTP figures.

Differences emerge depending on the model, manufacturer, driving profile and, above all, the charging behavior of the users.

The WLTP test procedure – realistic or theoretical?

The official fuel consumption figures are based on the standardized Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). This test procedure is designed to create comparable conditions across Europe and was introduced to deliver more realistic results than the previous NEDC procedure.

However, the WLTP remains a laboratory test procedure. The tests are carried out under defined conditions on a chassis dynamometer – without individual driving styles, without real weather conditions, and without real traffic situations.

In everyday life, however, numerous factors influence consumption:

Driving style and acceleration behavior
Outside temperatures
Heating and air conditioning requirements
Battery charging behavior
Route profile (short distance or long distance)
Software-based control strategies

Charging behavior plays a particularly important role. If the battery is not charged regularly, a plug-in hybrid will predominantly operate in combustion engine mode – resulting in correspondingly higher fuel consumption.

Technical concept: Benefits only with consistent use

The basic principle of a plug-in hybrid makes technical sense. An electric motor handles short trips in city traffic, while the combustion engine provides additional range on longer journeys.

However, this concept only works under certain conditions:

If the vehicle is charged regularly and used predominantly for short distances, the electric driving share can be high and the fuel consumption can actually be low.

However, if charging infrastructure is lacking or the vehicle is primarily used for long-distance travel, the balance shifts in favor of the combustion engine. In such cases, fuel consumption can rise to the level of conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles.

It is also noticeable that even in "predominantly electric mode," some models still exhibit measurable fuel consumption. The combustion engine sometimes kicks in to provide support – for example, under high power demand or at low temperatures.

Differences between manufacturers

The study also shows that real-world fuel consumption figures vary considerably depending on the manufacturer and model. While some vehicles achieve comparatively low average values, others are significantly higher.

Key factors include:

Battery capacity
electric range
Vehicle weight
Drive control coordination
Software strategies for engaging the combustion engine

The technical design therefore has a significant influence on actual consumption.

Company car subsidies and tax advantages

Plug-in hybrids have been heavily promoted in the company car sector in recent years. This was based, among other things, on reduced CO₂ emissions and tax advantages for the private use of company vehicles.

Since these advantages are based on official consumption and emission figures, real-world usage data is increasingly coming into focus in public discussions. If actual emissions are significantly higher than stated, the question of the transparency of the assessment criteria inevitably arises.

Transparency, consumption data and possible legal assessment

The discrepancy between official test results and real-world fuel consumption is not purely a technical issue. For buyers, the real question is whether the advertised fuel consumption figures have met their reasonable expectations of the vehicle.

Although WLTP values are legally explicitly designated as test bench values, they nevertheless have considerable significance for many buyers when making a purchase decision. This is especially true if specific fuel consumption figures are highlighted in the sales brochure, if the vehicle's environmental advantages are clearly emphasized or presented as a key selling point, or if fuel efficiency and fuel savings were the main focus of the consultation.

However, whether this can lead to legal consequences always depends on the specific individual case and the individual usage situation of the vehicle.

Conclusion: Usage determines profitability

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are not inherently a problematic technology. They can certainly offer advantages – but only with consistent electric driving and regular charging.

However, current findings clearly show that official consumption figures and actual everyday consumption can differ considerably. For consumers, this means that individual driving style and charging habits are crucial for actual cost-effectiveness.

What affected buyers should check now

Anyone who notices significantly higher fuel consumption than expected with their plug-in hybrid should review the contractual terms. check carefully let.

Key points include:

Purchase agreement
Sales brochure and advertising statements
Specifically guaranteed consumption figures
individual consultation situation
actual deviation between WLTP value and real consumption

Depending on the circumstances, this may give rise to legal claims. A thorough review of the documents will clarify possible options and courses of action.

Der Beitrag Plug-in-Hybrid im Realitätscheck: Studie zeigt deutlich höheren Kraftstoffverbrauch als offiziell angegeben erschien zuerst auf R&U.