PHEV all wheel drive vehicle comes with the battery-electric vehicle technology. These vehicles are capable to travel to a certain distance on electric only after charging from an external charger. The electric range in the PHEV varies from a dozen miles to around 100 miles. The top speed at which your PHEV work on the battery power alone will also vary from 50-mph to 100 mph.
PHEV features a larger battery than conventional electric/gas-powered vehicles that enable these vehicles to run for extended miles on the battery power to boost the fuel efficiency and to minimize the tailpipe emissions as well. Their all-electric range is shorter than the full EVs. However, PHEV will eliminate the so-called range anxiety more effectively. When the battery of your vehicle will be depleted to some level, your PHEV will start operating as a conventional hybrid by following the subsequent operating range and it will be limited depending on the amount of the gas in the tank.
How Do They Work?
PHEV all wheel drive or plug-in-hybrid vehicles use both the gasoline and battery-powered engines that offer them longer range than only all-electric cars. These vehicles are able to run for shorter ranges on electricity and then they switch over to the gas engine to power vehicle’s internal combustion engine. PHEVs work like a hybrid electric vehicle by producing fewer emissions and consuming less fuel. In addition, it enables you to run longer distance by option using fuel and then gas as an alternative power source when the battery stops working.
What Are the Benefits of PHEV All Wheel Drive?
The key benefit is that you can run for a shorter distance using electricity only. Another benefit is that you can use both gasoline and battery-powered engines and both these can serve your interests in the best possible manner when you need it most. Some other benefits are the followings.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a well-known benefit. These vehicles are expected to use forty to seventy percent of the less fuel than conventional vehicles. As the vehicle will have both battery and gasoline engine, it will reduce fuel dependence to a great extent.
Less GHC emission
Another benefit is the less greenhouse gas emission. PHEV will cause less GHC emissions than conventional vehicles. The amount will mostly depend on the fuel that you use at the power plants to generate electricity to recharge your car’s battery. It will certainly lead to less GHC emission if you get the required electricity from hydroelectric and nuclear power plants.
If you use coal-powered plants, then it will certainly cause more GNC emission. Renewable energy sources can be the best options.
Are There Any Challenges?
Yes, there will be a few and expected challenges. Here are the details.
Expensive
The price might be the biggest challenge. If you want to buy PHEV all wheel drive, then you are certainly going to spend more. There is no doubt you will have to spend less on the fuel. Fueling your PHEV will charge less as the cost of the electricity is comparatively much less than the cost of the gasoline per mile. But the upfront cost will be more. PHEVs are expected to cost between $1,000 and $7,000 more than the non-plug-in hybrids. The fuel saving benefit will not offset the cost of the PHEVs.
Charging Demands Time
Your PHEV will have a battery-powered engine and you need to charge it. The downside is that the charging will take several hours. However, you can consider a “quick charge”. That will charge your battery in the minimum possible time as little as thirty minutes. Also, you can drive your PHEV without plugging in. You can fuel it solely with the gasoline. However, this option will not help to achieve the maximum range. So, charging is important to ensure better fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy Measurement
You will have a great challenge while measuring the fuel economy of your vehicle. As PHEV runs on both liquid fuel and electricity, it is might be a bit difficult to understand what percentage of both will be used during a trip.
Types of PHEVs
Normally, there are two types of PHEV configurations. These are extended-range electric vehicles and blended PHEVs.
Extended Range Electric Vehicle
Extended range electric vehicle is also like the series PHEVs. In this kind, the electric motor is added to turn the wheels only. The gasoline engine is expected to generate electricity only. Series PHEVs can run on the electricity solely until the battery requires charging. Then the gas engine will produce electricity to power the electric motor. If the trip is short, then these vehicles might not use the gasoline at all.
Blended PHEVs
In blended PHEVs or parallel PHEVs, both the electric motor and engine are connected to the wheels mechanically and both of them will propel your PHEV in most of the driving conditions. The electric operation will only occur at a low speed.
PHEVs come with varied battery capacities to enable you to travel farther only on the electricity than other vehicles. The fuel economy of the PHEVs can be sensitive to the driving condition, accessories, and driving styles like regular hybrids and other electric vehicles.
Now you now PHEVs pros, challenge, and types. Now we will list some popular PHEV models to enable you to find the best one depending on your personal preferences and budget.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of the best electric plug-in hybrid cars that offer a huge saving over the same diesel family SUV. When it launched in 2013, it had the distinct honor to become the world’s first plug-in hybrid USV. This model comes with a noteworthy facelift that added 2.4-liter engine and exterior styling tweaks. The electric-only will range about twenty-five miles. If you ride fewer than twenty-five miles, you do not need to delve into your fuel tank.
Kia Niro PHEV
Comfortably Kia Niro is one of the most fuel-efficient cars that use a combustion engine. Its compact crossover claims an economy figure of 217 mpg. Also, it generates CO2 emissions of 29g/km. The electric-only range of the Kia Niro PHEV is thirty-six miles. It comes as a well-equipped 3 trim level standard vehicle. It features wireless smartphone charging, 8in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay Support, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control. You can also expect a lot of cabin space.
Ranger Rover Sports P400e PHEV
This vehicle will come with a powerful electric motor and capable steer. It is best-suited for urbanites and shorter range drivers. Whenever you will drive it, you will feel like you are driving in luxury.
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is the Hyundai’s latest compact crossover that looks both fun and practical. It is powered by a 201-horsepower motor and 291 pound-feet torque. It can run an estimated total range of 258 miles with a single charge. Also, it features many interior comforts that include smart cruise control, ventilated leather seats, and rain-sensing wipers.
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is available in both fuel-cell-powered and fully electric versions. It EV range is forty-eight miles. You will not find any standard PHEV equivalent to the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. It offers a comfortable ride and best for the shorter trips.
Chevrolet Volt
The compact Chevrolet Volt is known as an extended-range EV by the virtue of its small gasoline engine. Its EV range is fifty-three miles. The gasoline engine powers the electric motor when the batteries are depleted. The full-electric Chevrolet Volt EV offers 238 miles range on a single charge.
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is the PHEV version of its entertaining subcompact sedan. The EV range of this vehicle is sixteen miles. Its paltry EV-only range can save $250 per year on fuel costs.
BMW i3
BMWi3 is one of the most radically shaped PHEVs. It features range-extender and two tiny-cylinder petrol engine to charge the vehicle’s batteries and to give flexibility as well as a useful range.
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In
Three versions of the Ioniq are available in the current market. One is purely electric model, the standard hybrid and the latest one is the PHEV, the plug-in hybrid. This is one of the cheapest plug-in hybrids available in the current condition. This vehicle is able to cover thirty-nine miles in the electric mode with 680 miles total range. The added benefit is the five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Mercedes-Benz E 350 e
Mercedes-Benz E 350 e comes with a more conventional and smoother petrol engine than its predecessors. This vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine and combines an electric motor to give close to 300PS.
Toyota Prius Plug-In
Toyota has given a different and unique look to its new version. It is looking better and more futuristic than the previous version. It has thirty miles plus electric power range. When it was launched, the price tag was fairly high. However, it reduced suddenly and became one of the cheapest PHEVs.
Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine
Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine is incredibly comfortable and offers similar features of the XC90. It is the most powerful version that comes with 407PS. It has an 87PS electric motor and 320PS petrol engine and it is able to cover thirty-eight miles on electric power. The only downside is the price.