A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) or a plug-in hybrid is an upgraded hybrid vehicle that uses batteries to power itself and another fuel like gasoline to power its internal combustion engine (ICE). In simple words, you can charge your PHEV either by plugging it into an external charging outlet or through regenerative braking. The vehicle once charged completely, runs on battery till it completely drains off, and then shifts automatically to the ICE mode.
Key Highlights
- A PHEV comes in many variants and can be recharged through two different modes.
- A PHEV battery recharges itself internally with the help of an internal combustion engine-powered generator.
- You can recharge your PHEV externally by plugging into an external charging outlet.
- PHEVs are convenient, eco-friendly and pocket-friendly, suitable to all.
Key Features of a Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Car (PHEC)
Some of the salient features of the Plug-In Hybrid PHEV are as follows -
Two-Charge Mode
A PHEV comes with a rechargeable battery pack, which can be recharged easily with the help of a charging cable plugged into an external charging outlet, or internally through its onboard internal combustion engine-powered generator.
Variants
PHEVs come in multiple variants such as motor cars, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, mopeds, buses, trains and many more.
Environment-Friendly
PHEVs are open to using centralized generators of renewable energy such as solar, wind hydroelectric or fossil plants. They displace the greenhouse gas emissions from the car tailpipe exhaust to the power station, making the environment pollution-free.
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Cost-Effective
PHEVs are equipped with larger battery packs as compared to normal hybrid vehicles, thereby, making it convenient for you to charge it from anywhere with access to an electrical grid. This feature proves to be more cost-effective and energy-efficient because it simply doesn’t rely on its on-board generator for charging.
Low Operating Costs
PHEVs support longer all-electric range driving with higher power output and torque and are more responsive in acceleration, leading to lower operating costs.
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User-Friendly
A PHEV battery pack quickly converts to gasoline/fuel mode when the battery of the car nears depletion. So, when driving in areas with lower charging facilities, you need not worry about the depletion/usage of your battery. Just keep your PHEV sufficiently fueled. This feature of a PHEV makes it very flexible and user-friendly.
Buy a PHEV for a Smooth Drive
Purchasing a PHEV is one of the wisest decisions you can ever make. Available in multiple variants, this vehicle is not just easy on your pockets but is also environmentally friendly. You can charge it both, internally or externally or keep it fueled to keep you going on the road hassle-free. It is flexible and is packed with powerful on-board generators and torque to help you drive smoothly.
After you buy your vehicle, buy a
comprehensive car insurance policy from Reliance General Insurance to secure your drive. Get covered for the mandatory third-party liability and also for the damages or theft of the vehicle.
FAQs
Q1 - What is a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid vehicles are those that are charged through regenerative braking and internal combustion engines. These vehicles cannot be charged through an external source.
Q2 - Why choose a PHEV over a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid vehicles can be charged only through regenerative braking and ICE, whereas a PHEV can be charged both internally as well as externally.
Continuous usage of the ICE for recharge of the vehicles in a hybrid vehicle causes damage to the engine and eventually affects the overall performance of the car. On, the other hand, you can recharge a PHEV both through its ICE or externally, thereby, maintaining a balance between the two and avoiding too much pressure on the internal power generators.
Q3 - What are some of the benefits of PHEVs?
Some of the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles include reduced emissions and fuel efficiency.
Q4 - How to charge hybrid cars?
You can charge a hybrid car through standard home outlets or dedicated charging stations. Such cars can also recharge while driving using the ICE or through regenerative braking.
Q5 - Are maintenance costs of PHEVs high?
No, the maintenance costs of PHEVs are low compared to traditional vehicles because there are no frequent oil changes. However, you incur the costs of changing and maintaining the battery.