Hybrid electric vehicles could soon overtake diesels when it comes to motorway/highway fuel economy as well as for urban mpg.

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Hybrid electric vehicles could soon overtake diesels when it comes to motorway/highway fuel economy.

The latest European EQUA Index data published by Emissions Analytics shows a downturn in diesel motorway mpg, possibly due to a change in manufacturers’ focus from fuel economy to NOx emissions, with some NOx after treatment systems bringing an mpg penalty. In contrast, hybrid fuel economy for petrol hybrids (excluding plug-in hybrids) has improved as a result of technological advances.

The firm said the trend is even more pronounced when European EQUA data is compared to North American EQUA results, making it “unlikely that diesel vehicles will ever make a significant impact on market share in the US”.

Emissions Analytics added that the research shows hybrids particularly in the US, have really “upped their game”. They are still a cleaner drive than a diesel, and “may soon offer better fuel economy wherever you drive them but heavy-footed drivers should still exercise caution,” the report said.