Hybrid carmakers accused of 'con' over zero-emissions claims

Drivers hoping to cut emissions may be let down by cold weather or low battery charge

Drivers hoping their new plug-in hybrid car will help cut down their carbon footprint may have an unlikely enemy: cold weather.

Zero-emissions driving can be impossible for some of the UK's bestselling plug-in hybrid models when the air is chilly or if passengers do as little as switching on the heating - even if the battery is fully charged.