The argument for EVs generally and hybrids as a transition to full EVs is a relative argument...not an absolute argument.
While there is an argument that charging your Plug-in with Coal fired electricity is just marginally better than an ICE with respect to CO2 emissions, IMO the Hybrid has a solid argument in CO2 emissions vis-a-vis an equivalent ICE. Apart from the lower maintenance costs, that's why Taxis use Hybrids.
Unlike you, taxi owners and operators know precisely what their operational and general cost of ownership costs are and they do that over fleets... not "one swallow makes a Summer" lark!
So let's narrow down the argument to a Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs a Corolla ICE respect to CO2 emissions.
The ICE does 7 litres/100 kms around town (20,000 kms P/A)
Now you purport to be a smart guy, so rather than me doing the CO2 emissions calcs for you you can demonstrate your skills here by doing the sums and posting the results.
Operationally , these sample Toyota Corollas travel 20,000 kms p/a metro.
The Ice on average does 7 litres/100 kms and the Hybrid does 4.2 litres/100 kms. (no PHEV here) Then translate the difference in petrol used into CO2 emissions. Then calculate the CO2 required to manufacture the Corolla Nickel Metal Hydrate battery divided by 10 (nominal life expectancy of the traction battery) to give you an annualised CO2 figure for the battery.
And finally subtract your annualised battery CO2 footprint from the difference of the ICE vs the Hybrid annual CO2 emissions and, hey presto, there you have it Muddie!
So rather than 'midgut" lets all see your basic math ability...eh?
