Yes, there are specific regions where plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) show a greater emissions advantage, largely influenced by the regional electricity grid’s carbon intensity and ambient temperature effects.
Regional Emissions Advantage of PHEVs vs. HEVs
- Grid Emissions Intensity:
PHEVs generally have a greater emissions advantage in regions where the electricity grid is less carbon-intensive. Since PHEVs can run on electricity for part of the time, their tailpipe emissions are reduced more significantly in areas with cleaner grids. Conversely, in regions with high grid emissions (e.g., grids relying heavily on coal or other fossil fuels), the emissions benefits of PHEVs decline and can become roughly comparable to HEVs, which do not rely on grid electricity. - Comparison with HEVs:
PHEVs typically outperform HEVs in emissions reduction across most grid conditions except in regions with very high grid emissions, where HEVs and PHEVs have about equal emissions. This is because PHEVs depend more on electricity, and if that electricity is dirty, their advantage lessens.
Influence of Regional Climate and Temperature
- Battery Efficiency and Range Variability:
Studies show that electric vehicle efficiency, and thus emissions, can vary regionally due to temperature effects on battery performance. For example, electric vehicles (which includes PHEVs running in electric mode) consume more energy and have higher emissions in colder climates such as the Upper Midwest compared to milder regions like the Pacific Coast. This increased energy consumption leads to higher associated emissions from power plants if the grid is fossil-fuel reliant. - Implications:
In colder regions with carbon-intensive electricity grids, the emissions advantage of electrified vehicles, including PHEVs, is reduced because of decreased electric driving efficiency and higher grid emissions. Conversely, in regions with clean grids and moderate temperatures, PHEVs achieve a clearer emissions benefit over HEVs.
Summary
- PHEVs have the greatest emissions advantage in regions with cleaner, lower-carbon electricity grids and milder climates where electric driving is efficient.
- HEVs and PHEVs show comparable emissions performance in regions with high grid carbon intensity where electric miles produce significant indirect emissions.
- Colder climates reduce electric efficiency and range, diminishing the emissions advantage of PHEVs compared to HEVs.
This regional heterogeneity means policies and consumer choices should consider local grid cleanliness and climate to maximize emissions benefits from hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-regions-where-phevs-or-hevs-have-a-greater-emissions-advantage/
