The emissions of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the time of day and usage patterns. Here’s a breakdown of how emissions might fluctuate:
PHEVs
- Recharging Frequency: PHEVs emit less when frequently recharged, allowing a higher share of electric drive. Frequent recharging can lead to lower emissions because more of the vehicle’s energy comes from electricity rather than burning fuel.
- Driving Patterns: Emissions increase during peak driving hours if the vehicle is not recharged regularly. This is because PHEVs may rely more heavily on their internal combustion engines when the battery is depleted.
- Time of Day: Emissions could be higher during peak commute hours if the vehicle is running on its combustion engine due to inadequate recharging. Conversely, if the vehicle is recharged during off-peak hours (e.g., overnight), it may operate more on electric power during the day, reducing emissions.
HEVs
- Driving Patterns: HEVs always use both their battery and engine, but they optimize fuel consumption depending on the driving conditions. They typically do not require recharging from an external source and instead capture energy through regenerative braking.
- Emissions Variability: Emissions in HEVs can increase during stop-and-go traffic because the engine may run more frequently to assist the battery. However, they generally maintain a consistent hybrid mode that optimizes fuel use throughout the day.
- Time of Day: While HEVs do not have specific times of higher or lower emissions tied to recharging, driving under heavy loads or in stop-and-go traffic can lead to slightly higher emissions compared to smooth, steady driving conditions.
In summary, PHEVs have the potential for lower emissions if recharged frequently, particularly when recharged during off-peak hours and driven during times when the battery is well-charged. HEVs maintain consistent emissions profiles based on driving conditions rather than specific times of the day.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-times-of-the-day-when-phevs-and-hevs-emit-more-or-less/
