Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles combine an electric motor with a traditional internal combustion engine.
Vehicles of this type are also known as Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs); this type of electric vehicle (EV) is powered by both petrol and electricity.
PHEVs can recharge the battery through both regenerative braking and ‘plugging-in’ to an external electrical charging outlet. For EREVs the petrol engine also extends the range of the car by recharging the battery as its stored energy reserve gets low.
Plug in hybrid vehicle electric power capacity is typically 3 to 5 kWh. The average range for these vehicles, when they are being driven in ‘electric mode’ is approximately 35 miles (or 20 to 40 kilometers).
The on-board gasoline engine ensures the range of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.
For normal charging (up to 7.4 kW), car manufacturers have incorporated a battery charger into the vehicle, hence the term ‘plug-in hybrid’ electric vehicle (PHEV).
Options for charging your electric vehicle.
These EVs vary greatly depending on choice of primary energy source.
The Toyota Prius favors petrol as the primary energy source, while for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV electricity is its primary energy source.
However, the batteries in ‘plug-in electric-only’ vehicles are charged by plugging the vehicle into a special recharge station. These vehicles only have a limited range as they are operated in electric power mode only.
However, a hybrid fossil-fuel (gasoline or diesel) and electric power vehicle can be switched to traditional fuel power when the electric motor is unable to provide power anymore.
When the vehicle is being used in electric power mode, there are no tailpipe emissions; however emissions levels are standard when the car is being driven in traditional fuel mode.
This type of vehicle is ideal of city driving, because they are most efficient when they are being driving in this environment.