How Do Plug-In Hybrids Work?: PHEVs Explained – DrivingElectric

Regarded by many as a key stepping stone towards living with an EV, plug-in hybrids combine the benefits of electric driving with the long distance capabilities of your average petrol-powered car. But how does a plug-in hybrid work? How do you top one up? And why is it important to keep a PHEV charged as much as possible? DrivingElectric’s Grace Webb has the answers…

Chapters:
00:00 - What is a plug-in hybrid?
00:23 - Benefits of a PHEV
00:55 - Electric driving
01:52 - How to charge a PHEV
02:25 - Importance of charging a PHEV

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[uabir]

Her accent, I can listen to her all day!
SUBSCRIBED!

[justme-whli]

if you title your post 'HOW DO PHEVs WORK?' then please explain how! Does the petrol engine charge the battery running the drivetrain, leading to massive inefficiency on long trips? or does the battery simply assist the Petrol engine, meaning when the battery is dead, you effectively have a traditional Hybrid? What car is more eco and energy efficient for +1000 km? PHEV or trad. Hybrid?

[GermainStaquet]

I want to correct a statement here. Having driven myself a PHEV for 4 years, i can tell that even with battery "empty". You then drive a simple hybrid car, and no, they don't consume more than a regular non hybrid car, even if you think that the battery weight may have a huuuge impact. Who will ever say that the well known Toyota Prius consume more? Well, a PHEV with "empty" battery = a kind of Toyota Prius... (If anyone wonder, i drove a Passat GTE).

[evergreennj]

Nice video but would love to see you do 1 or more about Chinese PHEVs. For example, maybe do a comparison between Toyota Prius Prime 2023 vs a similar PHEV from BYD or a different Chinese brand.

[picosotapatio]

What if I have one and never charge it? Can it still run on gas?

[dayoadeosun]

There is a misinformation about how phevs cars work. When the battery finished, it NEVER turns to a petrol car. Instead, it continues seamlessly as a hybrid car with a bigger battery. I drive a toyota prius phev 2020 and this is what happens each time I exhaust my daily 33 miles EV range

[Anonymous.User.]

In plug-in hybrids, if one drives in EV mode, does the gas engine mechanically work without combustion (like pistons moving, etc)? Or is the gas engine completely at a standstill?

[evergreennj]

I hear the criticism about the drawback of lugging the extra weight of the ICE drivetrain when in EV mode and that of the battery and electric drivetrain when in ICE mode. For many, that's an acceptable compromise for the benefit of much longer range and the ability to refuel conventionally which is a big plus in countries that still do not have a robust EV charging infrastructure. Besides, "EV trucks and SUVs weigh 2.5 times more than ICE trucks and SUVs. In terms of sedans, the EVs weigh about 30% more than ICE cars" according to an article at Proficient. Another article at Axios states "Vehicles are adding poundage as the auto industry goes electric — and that's problematic for traffic safety, parking garages and roads."

[EdgarRenje]

In my opinion, PHEV combine the worst of both worlds: if you drive mostly electric, than you could go with an EV without taking the extra weight of an ICE and its maintenance costs (you will need to change oil etc. no matter how less you drive), but if you don't charge it regularly, you drive around extra battery weight with you and will never get the low consumption figures they promise. Modern EVs fit to most of the people. Don't be scared, try it out (if there is at least a charge station within a range of 15 min to go). Even for people who drive around more than the average range of an EV, the PHEV is not a good choice, because there is always a little break, at which you can recharge your EV. No one says you have to live with one charge per day.

[picosotapatio]

Gas... short for gasoline. You know exactly what I meant... 😒

[lordpitnolen]

Check your comment about special zones. In my nearest town 100% electric or hydrogen only in special zones, no hybrids

[chichibud]

Doesn't make much sense. Why not just make the engine recharge the battery continuously, like a full hybrid🤔. Just hauling around extra accessories, for what ?