Yes, there are specific regions where hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have a significant emissions advantage, largely due to differences in electricity grid emissions intensity and climate effects on vehicle efficiency.
Regional Emissions Advantage for HEVs and PHEVs
- Grid Emissions Intensity Impact:
PHEVs show more significant emissions advantages in regions where the electricity grid has high emissions intensity (i.e., electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels). In such regions, PHEVs and HEVs can outperform battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions because PHEVs can operate using their internal combustion engine when grid electricity is carbon-intensive, reducing reliance on dirty grid electricity. - Comparison of PHEVs and HEVs in High Emission Grid Regions:
Studies indicate that PHEVs are generally better than HEVs in reducing lifetime emissions across most regions, but in regions with the highest grid emissions (like the Midwest U.S.), the emissions reduction of PHEVs and HEVs can be roughly comparable since the PHEV may rely more on gasoline when electricity is carbon-intensive. - Climate and Temperature Effects:
Regional climate plays a role as well; colder climates can reduce electric vehicle efficiency due to battery performance and the need for cabin heating. For example, electric vehicle energy consumption can increase by about 15% in colder or hotter regions like the Upper Midwest or Southwest compared to milder climates such as the Pacific Coast. This increase in energy use also raises emissions when electricity is sourced from fossil fuels. - Rural and Less Urbanized Areas:
In rural or less urbanized areas where the electricity grid may be less clean and charging infrastructure is limited, HEVs and PHEVs might have greater emissions advantages over BEVs because they can rely on gasoline engines when electric charging is impractical or emissions-intensive.
Summary
PHEVs and HEVs have a distinct emissions advantage in regions with:
- High grid electricity emissions intensity (fossil fuel-dominated grids),
- Colder climates where battery efficiency is lower,
- Rural or infrastructurally limited areas with less access to clean charging.
In contrast, in regions with cleaner grids, such as the Pacific Coast in the U.S., BEVs tend to have the lowest lifecycle emissions, but PHEVs still outperform HEVs generally.
Thus, the emissions advantage of HEVs and PHEVs varies significantly by region, mainly driven by the cleanliness of the electric grid and local climate conditions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-regions-where-hevs-or-phevs-have-a-significant-emissions-advantage/
