Contact us
Contact us
Our WorkOur Products
About UsOur Process
NewsroomContact Us

Our studio

  • Collingwood
    3/30-34 Oxford Street,
    Collingwood, Victoria 3066

Follow us

Work
  • Our work
  • Our products
  • Our process
  • Newsroom
Company
  • About
  • Process
  • Website support
  • Contact us
Connect
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
Newsletter

Subscribe for marketing insights, campaign ideas and the latest from the ADME team.

© 2026 ADME. All rights reserved.PrivacyTermsEditorial standards
← Newsroom/EVs & hybrids

“Greenwashing stunt:” Plug-in hybrids emit six times more than claimed, and are getting worse, study finds

Compiled by ADME Newsroom from 1 source

First reported by The Driven · 8 September at 6:30 pm

Who's covering this — 1 article

EV specialists
1
Share

Image: The Driven

The quick read

Full coverage

The Driven·EV specialists·8 September at 6:30 pm

“Greenwashing stunt:” Plug-in hybrids emit six times more than claimed, and are getting worse, study finds

Plug-in hybrids described as one of the auto industry’s "greatest greenwashing stunts" as new study shows pollution six times more than claimed, and getting worse. The post “Greenwashing stunt:”…

Read at The Driven →

More from the newsroom

The Driven

Fortescue’s first 150-tonne electric water truck sets sail for Australia and real zero target

7NEWS

2027 Polestar 4 coupe SUV prices cut to match new, more practical sibling

The Driven

EVs outsell petrol and diesel cars in Australia | The Driven Podcast

carsales

NEWS16Audi A2 resurrected as brand’s most efficient EVThe reborn A2 e-tron swaps the original’s aluminium body for an efficiency-focused electric hatch, with Audi Australia weighing a local launch if demand stacks upFeann Torr - Sep 8th

7NEWS

More EV servicing equipment coming to Australian businesses following more government investment

EV Central

New Lexus NX confirmed for Australia: Plug-in hybrid SUV gets bigger battery, 100km-plus EV range and DC fast charging

The ADME Newsroom is a news aggregator. Headlines, excerpts and article images remain the property of their original publishers, are shown for the purpose of reporting news, and always link to and credit the original reporting. Items marked “file image” use manufacturer-supplied press imagery of the vehicle referenced; vehicle and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Quick-read summaries and “ADME commentary” are our own, are clearly marked, and are general industry commentary — not financial, legal or purchasing advice. Summaries and commentary may be AI-assisted and can contain errors — always check the original reporting before relying on specifics. Publishers and manufacturers: for corrections, attribution changes or removal, contact advertising@adme.net.au and we'll action it promptly. Read our editorial standards.

Ready to stand out?Tell us about it.

Whether it’s a brand, a campaign or a product that needs to stand out, we’d love to hear about it.

Tell us about your project →
Our studio
  • Collingwood
    3/30-34 Oxford Street,
    Collingwood, Victoria 3066
Call(03) 9417 7107
Emailadvertising@adme.net.au

The quick read

  • Plug-in hybrids emit six times more than claimed, according to a new study.
  • The pollution from plug-in hybrids is getting worse, not better.
  • The auto industry's promotion of plug-in hybrids is described as one of the 'greatest greenwashing stunts'.
  • Dealers will need to reassess their inventory management and marketing strategies in response to the study's findings.

For dealers: Australian dealers who have been promoting plug-in hybrids as a environmentally friendly option will need to adapt quickly to the changing market and customer perceptions.

AI-assisted summary of the coverage below — check the original reporting before relying on specifics.

ADME commentary

The ADME angle

Plug-in hybrids are now a liability for dealers who have been promoting them as a environmentally friendly option, and this revelation will impact customer trust and loyalty.

The study's findings that plug-in hybrids emit six times more than claimed will lead to a decline in sales as customers become more informed about the actual environmental impact of these vehicles.

What it means for the order bank

Dealers who have stockpiled plug-in hybrids will need to reassess their inventory management strategies, as the demand for these vehicles is likely to decrease significantly.

The auto industry's 'greenwashing stunt' will also lead to increased scrutiny from regulators and environmental groups, which could result in stricter emissions standards and penalties for non-compliance.

Competitor response and marketing

Dealers will need to adjust their marketing strategies to address the concerns of environmentally conscious customers, and to differentiate themselves from competitors who are still promoting plug-in hybrids as a green option.

Taking action

This week, dealers can take a proactive approach by reviewing their current inventory and marketing strategies, and considering alternative environmentally friendly options to promote to customers, such as fully electric vehicles.

Go deeper — ADME analysis

  • VFACTS May 2026: a Tesla outsells every ute, and the market keeps shifting →
  • NVES and the FBT change: the two policies quietly reshaping what Australia buys →