Towing weight Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe increased: this is what Hyundai has done
Additional braked towing weight
The braked towing weight of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is now 1,510 kilograms. That is an increase of 150 kilograms. There is also good news for the braked towing weight of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. There the capacity increases to 2,000 kilograms, an increase of no less than 890 kilograms.
This is how Hyundai achieved this
What exactly has Hyundai adjusted? We ask Anne Lobbes, spokeswoman for Hyundai Netherlands. “The increase in towing weight comes from the updated homologation standard, Euro6e-bis. By responding to this in time, we have managed to achieve this – with a small increase in CO2 emissions. For existing cars this update is not possible, these are homologated under the older standard,” said Lobbes.
Euro6e-bis, what is that?
Since Jan. 1, 2025, Euronorm 6a, a tightened emissions standard specifically targeting (plug-in) hybrid cars (PHEVs), has been in effect in Europe. This new directive ensures that CO2 emissions from PHEV/HEV models will be measured more accurately and realistically. That sounds good for the environment, but also has a downside: the tax benefits of plug-in hybrids decrease because the emissions on paper increase.
Stricter testing methods lead to higher CO2 values
Until recently, plug-in hybrids were often rated favorably thanks to relatively low official emissions figures. With the introduction of Euronorm 6e bis, the test methods have been modified, which better mimics real-world driving behavior. This results in higher recorded CO2 values.
‘Fake PHEVs’ and their tax implications
Under the new standard, PHEV models with more than 50 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer will receive less favorable tax treatment. These cars are considered “fake PHEVs” by the government. For these vehicles, the maximum CO2 emissions are used in the tax calculation. As a result, the car is compared to a non-electric variant, or a multiplier of 2.5 is applied.
The consequence is clear:
- A higher CO2 contribution
- An increase in Benefit All Nature (VAA).
- A lower tax deduction
- For many lease drivers and employers, this means an increase in overall car costs.
What follows after Euronorm 6tha?
The introduction of Euronorm 6e bis is only the first step in a series of stricter environmental regulations. Two more major updates will follow in the coming years:
Euronorm 6e bis FCM (from 2027)
The next stage, Euronorm 6tha FCM, extends the reference distance from 2,200 kilometers to 4,260 kilometers. This means that average CO2 emissions will be calculated over a greater number of kilometers driven. This change will again affect the tax treatment of PHEVs and potentially lead to even higher emissions values.
Euronorm 7 (expected from 2030)
Euronorm 7 goes beyond just CO2 reduction. This standard also focuses on reducing particulate matter and microplastics released through tire and brake wear. This standard is expected to take effect around 2030 and will affect all-electric cars as well as hybrids.