Electric vehicles (EVs) will revolutionise the automotive industry with their unique and innovative technology. But that revolution is at least a few years away from now. Although electric cars are gaining popularity, it''s not everyone''s cup of tea, especially in India. One of the closest alternatives to EVs is the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). They provide the flexibility of switching between electric mode and conventional engine mode. Read on as we provide you with a complete guide on PHEVs.
The PHEV full form is Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It is a vehicle that uses a combination of an electric powertrain and a conventional Internal Combustion (IC) engine. Unlike a traditional hybrid car, the PHEV comprises a larger battery pack which enables it to run on pure electric power at slower speeds.
One can charge the battery by plugging it into an external power source. The battery also gets charged via regenerative braking or through the IC engine. The IC engine can take over and propel the vehicle during high-speed cruising. In some scenarios, the electric motor can also assist the engine for better efficiency. A PHEV is similar to a standard hybrid vehicle except for the larger battery pack and the capability to run on pure electric power.
Like electric vehicles, the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles command a premium price tag. That''s predominantly due to the advanced electric powertrain and a larger battery pack. Hence, you don''t see many manufacturers offering PHEVs in India. Below is the list of the plug-in electric vehicles in India as of April 2022.
*As per ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
As mentioned earlier, only a few plug-in hybrid cars are on sale in the Indian market. Hence, there are not many options available in the SUV segment. The Volvo XC90 Recharge is the only PHEV SUV available in the country.
The story is no different when it comes to the sedan segment. Since plug-in hybrid technology is complex and expensive, only a few manufacturers are keen to explore this segment. Currently, the BMW 7 Series is the only PHEV sedan available in India.
In India, hatchbacks are predominantly mass-market offerings. Even the premium hatchbacks carry an affordable price tag. A plug-in hybrid hatchback may be way too expensive in a price-sensitive market such as India. That''s the reason why there are no PHEV hatchbacks in India.
Typically, a PHEV starts up in all-electric mode, wherein the electric powertrain independently propels the vehicle.
The vehicle will continue to run in pure electric mode until the battery pack runs out of charge.
In some PHEVs, the vehicle switches to hybrid mode (electric motor + IC engine) once the car hits cruising speeds.
Once the battery charge is depleted, the IC engine takes over, and the vehicle functions as a conventional petrol/diesel car.
The battery pack can be charged by plugging it into an external power source.
The battery also gets charged via regenerative braking and with the help of the IC engine.
Also read: How do electric cars work?
Further, there are two types of plug-in hybrid configurations.
Series plug-in hybrid: In this type of configuration, only the electric powertrain propels the vehicle. The vehicle runs on all-electric mode until the battery charge depletes. Once the battery loses its charge, the engine powers the electric motor. The series plug-in hybrid may not use conventional fuel at low speeds and short commutes.
Parallel plug-in hybrid: In this type of setup, both the electric powertrain and the conventional engine propel the vehicle in almost all driving conditions. Generally, the vehicle can operate in all-electric mode only at slow speeds.
Below are the key components of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Electric motor: An electric motor is a crucial component of the electric powertrain. It propels the vehicle in pure-electric mode or works in tandem with the IC engine. Depending on the PHEV type, the electric motor draws power from the battery pack or IC engine.
IC engine: The conventional engine propels the vehicle when the battery runs out of charge. The IC engine may also power the electric motor or charge the battery pack in some vehicles.
Battery pack: There are mainly two types of batteries in a PHEV. The primary battery pack is the traction battery that powers the electric motor, and the secondary or auxiliary battery powers other electrical components of the car. The traction battery can juice up by connecting it to an external power source.
Onboard charger: Since the battery needs to be charged, the onboard charger plays a crucial role. It converts the AC (Alternative Current) electricity to DC (Direct Current) electricity to charge the battery pack. It also monitors various parameters such as battery voltage, temperature, charging status, etc.
Generator: It generates electricity with the help of an IC engine. Some electric motors also act as a generator as they convert kinetic energy (energy loss while slowing down the vehicle) into electrical energy. The electrical power is utilised to charge the battery.
Transmission: Without a gearbox, the electrical energy and IC engine are of no use; because it is responsible for the transmission of power from the engine/electric motor. A PHEV uses a conventional transmission like any other petrol/diesel car.
Charging port: It allows the battery pack to connect to an external power source via a cable. The charging cable connects to the charging port and a power source such as the standard household socket or a dedicated charging station.
You already know what a PHEV is and how it works. Now, let''s look at the advantages and disadvantages of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
They produce fewer carbon emissions compared to conventional petrol/diesel cars.
The plug-in hybrid cars are fuel-efficient at slow speeds, with the electric powertrain assisting the engine.
The running cost is low if you drive for short distances.
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