Plug-in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or plug-in car, has a battery that can be charged off board by plugging into the grid, which enables it to travel a certain number of miles solely on electricity. After the electric-only range is exceeded, the vehicle continues to operate as a hybrid vehicle. Current examples include the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid and the Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid.


PHEVs can be configured to operate serially, or in a blended fashion. In a serial configuration, the vehicle runs on electricity alone at some points, like starting, and uses its other power source alone at others, for example, when accelerating. Alternatively, a plug-in hybrid may be configured for blended operation, with the battery and the conventional engine operating together.


Advantages of PHEVS:

- Reduced fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions

- Cleaner electric energy through advances in natural gas and coal gasification

- Optimized fuel efficiency and performance

- Recovered energy from regenerative braking

- Unchanged gas station infrastructure

- Grid connection potential

- "Home based" battery recharging at a fraction of the cost of petroleum equivalent

- Pure zero emission capability

- Even lower fueling costs compared to battery sustaining hybrids

- Possible use in secondary markets for used batteries and reduced waste


Challenges:

- Cost and complexity of two powertrains

- Component availability--batteries, powertrains, power electronics

- Higher initial cost

- Cost of batteries and battery replacement

- Added weight

Key facts

"Over the next two to three years, all major automakers—and some start-ups—intend to put [Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles] PHEVs on the road" (An Action Plan)

"Plug-in vehicles can be driven for roughly one-third to one-fourth the cost of a gasoline-powered vehicle" (Transportation Electrification)

"If the [electric] vehicle is plugged in every day, as recommended, it may be possible to drive 1000-2000 miles or more between fill-ups" (Plugging-In)

"PHEVs reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32% compared to conventional vehicles" (Lithium Ion Batteries)

"Pike Research estimates an annual sales growth rate of 106% for PEVs between 2010 and 2015" (Plug-in Electric Vehicles: A Practical Plan for Progress)

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