Umair Gaines
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a type of hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be directly replenished via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power source, in addition to charging internally by its on-board internal combustion engine-powered generator. PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). They are ideal for both city driving and long road trips, as they can switch between electric and fuel power easily.
Characteristics and Values of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine | Internal combustion engine |
| Power Source | Electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel |
| Charging | Rechargeable battery pack charged via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power source, or through regenerative braking, the gas engine, or charging equipment |
| Range | Electric-only range of about 15 to 60-plus miles in current models; Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has a range of 47 miles |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel economy is optimized by switching to the internal combustion engine for longer journeys |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than similar conventional and hybrid vehicles, but costs can be recovered through fuel savings and incentives |
| Emissions | Lower levels of emissions depending on the electricity source and frequency of all-electric mode |
| Types | Power-split hybrids, series hybrids, through-the-road hybrids |
| Examples | Chevrolet Volt, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Auto, Audi Q7 e-tron, A3 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz C 350 e, S 500 Plug-In Hybrid, BYD Tang, Volkswagen Passat GTE, Volvo XC90 T8, Hyundai Sonata PHEV, BMW i3, Dodge Hornet R/T, Alfa Romeo Tonale, CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID, CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID |
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What You'll Learn
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
There are two main types of PHEVs: those that blend power from both the battery pack and the gasoline engine (known as "power-split hybrids" or "through-the-road hybrids") and the much rarer kind where the gasoline engine acts solely as a generator to recharge the battery, but cannot mechanically power the wheels (known as "series hybrids" or extended-range electric vehicles). Series plug-in hybrids use only the electric motor to drive the wheels, while the internal combustion engine is used to generate electricity for the motor.
PHEVs can be charged using a wall outlet or charging equipment, by the ICE, or through regenerative braking. The more regenerative braking is used, the more a PHEV increases its electric range. While PHEVs are generally more expensive than similar conventional and hybrid vehicles, some costs can be recovered through fuel savings, federal tax credits, or state incentives. PHEVs may also produce lower levels of emissions, depending on the electricity source and how often the vehicle is operated in all-electric mode.
PHEVs have been available to the public in China and the United States since 2010, with the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt, which was the best-selling PHEV until it was surpassed by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in 2019. Several car manufacturers, including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and CUPRA, have since introduced PHEV models.
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Reduced fuel consumption
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be directly replenished via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power source, in addition to charging internally by its on-board internal combustion engine-powered generator. They can also be charged through regenerative braking.
PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to using the internal combustion engine.
PHEVs can reduce fuel consumption in several ways. Firstly, they have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles, enabling them to drive moderate distances using just electricity. This can be particularly beneficial for urban driving or short-to-medium-length journeys, where most of the power can come from stored electricity. For example, a light-duty PHEV driver might be able to drive to and from work using only electric power and then charge the vehicle at night, ready for another all-electric commute the next day.
Secondly, PHEVs can support longer and more frequent all-electric range driving, which can reduce fuel consumption. The electric range of current models is about 15 to 60-plus miles, and PHEVs with high all-electric ranges of 80 km or more can achieve 12,000–20,000 km of annual electric mileage. This high annual electric mileage reflects the high annual mileage of PHEVs despite low utilisation factors.
Thirdly, PHEVs can reduce fuel consumption by using electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time, which is usually cheaper than using gasoline. PHEVs can also use centralised generators of renewable energy, such as solar, wind or hydroelectric power, to be largely emission-free. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on petroleum.
Finally, PHEVs have smaller and lighter engines than conventional vehicles, which reduces fuel consumption without interfering with the vehicle's performance.
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Types of hybrid cars
Hybrid cars have gained popularity in recent years, with many carmakers embracing the technology to meet rising zero-emission requirements. There are several types of hybrid cars available today, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here is a detailed overview of the different types of hybrid cars:
Mild Hybrids
Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV) are the most reliant on their internal combustion engines. The electric motors in mild hybrids are not powerful enough to propel the vehicle alone. Instead, they provide a small boost to the vehicle's engine, typically during acceleration or when assisting power-hungry systems like air conditioning. These systems are often found in the form of 48-volt electric systems and do not require external charging. Many vehicles use MHEV powertrains without advertising them as such, so you may have unknowingly driven a mild hybrid!
Full Hybrids
Full hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are what most people think of when they hear the term "hybrid". These vehicles have stronger motors and batteries than mild hybrids, allowing them to handle more of the workload. Full hybrids can operate solely on electric power, typically at lower city speeds, resulting in higher City MPG ratings. They recharge their batteries internally through the engine and regenerative braking, making them more fuel-efficient than mild hybrids.
Plug-in Hybrids
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are a type of hybrid that can be charged from external power sources, such as a standard electrical wall socket or charging station, in addition to their internal combustion engine-powered generator. This gives them greater electric-only range and overall fuel economy than full hybrids. PHEVs are equipped with larger battery packs and can support longer and more frequent all-electric range driving. They are available in various vehicle types, including passenger cars, sports cars, commercial vehicles, and more.
Parallel and Series Hybrids
These terms describe the configuration of the hybrid system. In a parallel hybrid, both the engine and the electric motor can power the wheels together or separately. The Toyota Prius, introduced in 1997, is a well-known example of a parallel hybrid. In contrast, a series hybrid is propelled solely by the electric motor, with the internal combustion engine used to generate electricity for the motor. Series hybrids are often referred to as extended-range electric vehicles.
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Charging a PHEV
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power source. They can also be charged internally by their on-board internal combustion engine-powered generator. PHEVs can be charged using a standard electrical wall socket, or a charging port on the vehicle.
There are two levels of charging for PHEVs. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt wall plug, while Level 2 charging uses a 220-volt outlet. Many plug-in hybrid owners opt for a new 220-volt line in their garage to speed up charging times. With a portable recharging unit, you can recharge your PHEV anywhere there is an electrical outlet. You can also use Level 1 or Level 2 charging at public charging stations.
By plugging in your PHEV every night, you can take advantage of off-peak hours and have a full charge by morning. PHEVs can also be charged through regenerative braking or by siphoning power from the engine. However, it is important to note that PHEVs have larger battery packs than conventional hybrids, which makes them heavier, and they may have more reliability issues due to the added complexity of having two powertrains.
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Cost and affordability
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are generally more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, with a price difference of around $4,000 to $8,000. However, in recent years, the prices for PHEVs have dropped, making them more affordable than they once were.
While the upfront cost of a PHEV may be higher, it's important to consider the potential savings on fuel and maintenance costs. PHEVs use electricity and gasoline, and since electricity is usually cheaper than gasoline, operating costs can be lower. PHEVs also have reduced petroleum consumption, using 30% to 60% less than conventional vehicles, which further contributes to fuel cost savings. Additionally, regenerative braking in PHEVs can extend the life of brake pads and reduce maintenance costs.
When considering affordability, it's worth noting that PHEVs may qualify for tax credits and incentives. The US EPA mentions tax credits and incentives for all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can offset the initial higher cost.
In terms of charging, PHEVs can be charged using a standard 120-volt household outlet, which is convenient for home charging. However, charging with a 240-volt outlet or public charger can reduce charging time to 1 to 4 hours, or even less with fast charging options. The availability of charging options, including at home, the workplace, or public charging stations, can influence the overall affordability of owning a PHEV.
When comparing PHEV models, it's important to consider the electric range they offer. Some PHEVs provide an all-electric range of around 20 to 40 miles, while others like the CX-90 PHEV offer up to 26 miles, and the BMW 330e offers up to 22 miles. The electric range can impact the frequency of gasoline usage and, consequently, the overall running costs.
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Frequently asked questions
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a type of hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power source, in addition to charging internally by its on-board internal combustion engine-powered generator.
PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to using the internal combustion engine.
PHEVs have lower operating costs and fuel use compared to conventional vehicles. They also produce lower levels of emissions, especially when operated in all-electric mode. PHEVs are also ideal for both city driving and long road trips.
