The Download: the problem with plug-in hybrids, and China's AI talent

Plug-in hybrids are supposed to be the best of both worlds--the convenience of a gas-powered car with the climate benefits of a battery electric vehicle. But new data suggests that some official figures severely underestimate the emissions they produce. According to new real-world driving data from Europe, plug-in hybrids produce roughly 3.5 times the emissions official estimates suggest. The difference is largely linked to driver habits: people tend to charge plug-in hybrids and drive them in electric mode less than expected. It's important to close the gap between expectations and reality not only for individuals' sake, but also to ensure that policies aimed at cutting emissions have the intended effects.