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Cars have become an everyday reality for many in this age of rapid transportation. Due to growing environmental concerns and fuel costs, people are embracing more sustainable options than conventional petrol-powered vehicles. One such option is a plug-in hybrid car (PHEV). So what is a plug-in hybrid car?
The plug-in hybrid vehicle is a revolutionary fusion of modern engineering and technology. Featuring an electric motor for clean, fuel-efficient driving coupled with a petrol engine that provides extended range, this unparalleled machine offers total flexibility on the road. Join us as we uncover all the details associated with PHEVs and explain why they’ve become an attractive choice for many drivers.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a traditional petrol or diesel engine and a battery-powered electric motor, allowing drivers to switch between petrol/diesel propulsion and electrical power output. However, instead of a small battery like in traditional hybrid cars, PHEVs have larger batteries that you can connect to a dedicated electric power source.
Plug-in hybrid cars also serve as more eco-friendly options for drivers who want the environmental benefits of fully electric cars without having to make the full commitment. These vehicles are ideal for reducing your carbon footprint without losing efficiency because of combining a traditional petrol or diesel engine with battery power.
How Does A PHEV Work?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) works by combining an efficient, eco-friendly electric motor with a powerful internal combustion engine. With PHEVs, you can plug in to charge your car’s battery using either a charging station or an external power source. The amount of time it takes to complete a full charge varies depending on the power source and how big the batteries are.
Plug-in hybrids can travel a certain distance in all-electric mode before the internal combustion engine kicks in. This distance varies depending on the vehicle’s make and model, but it typically ranges from 20 to 50 miles (32 km to 80). When you have depleted the battery, the plug-in hybrid electric car operates as a conventional hybrid, using a combination of the internal combustion engine and electric motor to power the vehicle.
Tip: Plug-in hybrid models can run on electric power alone for a limited distance. Be aware of the electric-only range of your PHEV and plan your trips accordingly.
Key Components
The key components of a plug-in hybrid car include:
- Internal combustion engine (ICE): The plug-in hybrid electric car has a conventional internal combustion engine, and ICE provides power to the vehicle when the vehicle has depleted its battery.
- Electric motor: The electric motor powers the vehicle on its own or in combination with the ICE.
- Rechargeable battery: Rechargeable batteries store electric power that plug-in hybrid vehicles generate during regenerative braking and from external power sources. The battery can power the electric motor to provide all-electric operation for a short distance, typically between 20 to 50 miles (32 km to 80).
- Onboard charger: The onboard charger converts the alternating current (AC) from the external power source to the DC power to charge the battery. While charging the pack, it also communicates with the charging equipment and monitors battery characteristics such as voltage, current, temperature and state of charge.
- Power electronics: The power electronics manage the flow of electricity between the battery, motor and onboard charger. They also control the speed and torque of the car’s electric motors.
- Transmission: The transmission transfers energy from the motor to the drive wheels.
- Regenerative braking system: The regenerative braking system captures energy that the car normally loses during braking and uses it to recharge the battery.
- Thermal cooling system: The cooling system regulates the temperature of the petrol engine, motor, power electronics and other components.
- Exhaust system: The vehicle’s exhaust system helps channel exhaust gases from the petrol engine out through the tailpipe.
Regenerative braking allows you to recharge your PHEV battery and increase its range.
A Plug-In Hybrid: Pros & Cons
Before purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle, you should consider its benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
Some of the pros of plug-in hybrids include:
- Extended range: Plug-in hybrids can travel up from 20 to 50 miles (32 km to 80) on a battery alone. This range is convenient for commuters who drive short distances and want to reap the benefits that come with electric cars.
- Environment benefits: A plug-in hybrid car allows you to reduce your vehicle’s emissions. You can even go greener by charging these vehicles using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
- Fuel economy: Plug-in hybrid cars provide an eco-friendly way to save on fuel costs as they can run on electric power over short distances.
- Government incentives: Many governments offer incentives, such as a reduction in company car tax or rebates, for purchasing plug-in hybrid cars as part of their efforts to encourage the adoption of cleaner vehicles.
Tip: Inflating your tyres properly helps reduce rolling resistance, which can improve the efficiency and electric range of your PHEV.
Cons
Here are a few disadvantages of using plug-in hybrid cars:
- Higher cost: Plug-in hybrids are generally more expensive to purchase than traditional gasoline-powered cars, although government incentives can help offset this cost.
- Battery charging time: Charging the battery of a plug-in hybrid car can take several hours, depending on the charging method used. This may be inconvenient for drivers who don’t have access to charging stations or drive long distances.
- Limited availability: Plug-in hybrid cars are not as widely available as conventional petrol or diesel cars. Also, there are very few charging networks for these vehicles in most countries.
A Plug-In Vs A Hybrid Vs An Electric
Plug-in hybrids are different from conventional hybrids and electric cars, even though they all use electric power to some degree.
PHEVs come with large batteries that you can connect to dedicated power sources to charge. After charging the battery, PHEVs provide an all-electric drive, just like a full-electric vehicle. When the battery runs out of power, the car begins to work as a conventional hybrid car.
Conventional Hybrid Car
There are two types of full hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrids and series hybrids.
Parallel hybrids use both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine to propel the wheels of the car. Also, the transmission in these vehicles may be automatic, manual or continuously variable (CVT; also regarded as one type of automatic transmission). Brands that often use the parallel design in their hybrid cars include Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and Lexus.
Series hybrids use an electric motor is the primary source of power. Although they have a petrol or diesel engine, it only helps to charge the battery. Also, the combustion engine drives the electric generator, ensuring smoother and more powerful acceleration. The BMW i3 is an example of a series hybrid vehicle.
There are also series-parallel hybrids, which operate solely on the electric motor at low speeds, but the gasoline engine takes over as the primary power source at higher speeds.
Read more about a plug-in hybrid vs hybrid.
Electric Car
Electric vehicles (EVs), also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are vehicles that rely on electric motors and battery power instead of internal combustion engines. An electric vehicle comes with a large battery pack that powers its motor. Similar to a plug-in hybrid electric car, you need to plug an EV into a wall outlet or dedicated charging equipment to recharge. An electric car emits no exhaust from its tailpipe and does not contain the typical liquid fuel components because it runs entirely on electric power.
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular due to their efficiency, environmental benefits and low operating costs. They have zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, you can charge them with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, making them even better for the environment.
Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can reduce your PHEV’s efficiency and electric range.
Is A Plug-In Hybrid Type Of Car The Right Pick For You?
A plug-in hybrid type of car is the right pick for you if you meet the following criteria:
- You drive short distances. PHEVs have a limited electric-only range, which makes them better suited for those who primarily drive shorter distances and have access to charging infrastructure.
- You have the budget for the purchase. PHEVs are often more expensive than traditional gasoline vehicles due to their electric motor and battery system. However, they can save money in the long run due to lower running costs and a reduction in company car tax.
- You have access to charging infrastructure. Determine if there are charging stations available in your area, at your workplace or at other places you frequently visit.
- You want to reduce your carbon footprint. A PHEV produces fewer emissions than a traditional vehicle with a petrol engine.
Why Didn’t You Hear About A Plug-In Hybrid Earlier?
You didn’t hear about a plug-in hybrid earlier due to various factors. Robert Anderson invented the first prototype for an electric vehicle around 1832, but electric-powered cars have only recently gained popularity for a variety of reasons, including:
- Advances in battery technology: The development of more efficient and affordable lithium-ion batteries has made it possible to produce PHEVs with longer all-electric driving ranges.
- Environmental concerns: Growing concerns about climate change and air pollution have led to more interest in electric vehicles, including PHEVs.
- Government incentives: Many governments around the world offer financial incentives for the purchase of PHEVs and other electric vehicles, making them more affordable for consumers.
- Fuel economy standards: Governments are taking action to reduce fuel consumption worldwide, and automakers have stepped up in response. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer a great solution that combines both traditional petrol technology with cutting-edge electrics for ultimate efficiency on the roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Point Of A Plug-In Hybrid Car?
The point of a plug-in hybrid car is that you get a vehicle that allows you to enjoy the benefits of both an electric and a petrol-powered vehicle. A plug-in hybrid vehicle harnesses electric power to reduce its fuel consumption, giving you an eco-friendly option for getting around. At the same time, it allows you to switch to a petrol power source if you run out of electric power or need to move faster.
Which Is Better: A Plug-In Hybrid Or A Hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid is better than a hybrid in terms of driving range. Plug-in hybrids allow you to travel longer distances on electric power, which can help reduce your fuel consumption. Plug-in hybrids also offer greater speed and power compared to standard hybrid cars. However, they tend to cost more and require more frequent charging.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Plug-In Hybrid Car?
The disadvantages of a plug-in hybrid car are high costs, non-availability of charging sources and battery charging time. Plug-in hybrid automobiles cost more than traditional hybrids and ICE cars as they come with bigger batteries to store power. Furthermore, charging infrastructure for PHEVs isn’t widely available yet, so you may struggle to find a place to charge your vehicle.
Also, some would say that a limited range of only 20 to 50 miles (32 km to 80) on electric power is a disadvantage compared to a fully electric car, and charging takes up to several hours.
What Happens If You Don’t Charge A Plug-In Hybrid?
If you don’t charge a plug-in hybrid, it will operate like a traditional hybrid vehicle, relying on its petrol engine to generate power so you can drive around until you can recharge. The hybrid system will also use regenerative braking to recharge the battery while driving, but this will only provide a small amount of charge.
How Long Do Plug-In Hybrid Batteries Last?
The amount of time that plug-in batteries last varies depending on how often you use the vehicle, your charging pattern, battery temperature and driving conditions. Plug-in hybrid batteries typically last between 8 and 10 years.
You can ensure that you get the most out of the battery life by following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Most manufacturers recommend that you avoid frequent fast charging. Also, ensure that the car’s battery is fully depleted before recharging it.
Conclusion
The details in this article certainly have provided a clear and substantial answer to your question, ‘What is a plug-in hybrid car?’ Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that blend the working mechanism of traditional petrol engines with rechargeable electric cars to provide power for the road while reducing your carbon footprint. Luckily for all, these vehicles can help reduce the effect of greenhouse gases without compromising transportation efficiency.
