The electric range of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) significantly impacts their overall efficiency in urban environments, particularly in how often they can operate in zero-emission electric mode versus relying on their combustion engines.
Electric range and urban efficiency
PHEVs with shorter electric ranges (e.g., below 50 km/31 miles) face challenges maintaining electric-only operation during typical city trips. Real-world tests show that even PHEVs advertised with moderate electric ranges often fall short in city conditions—BMW and Peugeot models tested achieved 26–47% lower electric ranges than official estimates, reducing their ability to stay in electric mode. When the battery depletes, PHEVs revert to hybrid or gas-only modes, where CO₂ emissions can reach ~200g/km (comparable to conventional SUVs like the VW Tiguan).
Impact of charging behavior
Efficiency gains depend heavily on consistent charging:
- Regularly charged PHEVs maximize electric-only driving, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in stop-and-go city traffic.
- Infrequently charged PHEVs (common among company fleets) operate mostly on gasoline, negating efficiency advantages. For example, the Renault PHEV emitted 138g/km in gas-only city driving—still higher than full EVs but lower than other PHEVs due to its smaller engine and lighter weight.
Technology mitigations
Some PHEVs use geo-fencing (e.g., BMW’s “eDrive Zone”) to force electric-only operation in cities, potentially improving efficiency if drivers comply. However, limited battery capacity and cold-weather performance further reduce real-world electric range, making hybrid-mode operation unavoidable on longer urban routes.
In summary, PHEVs with longer electric ranges (e.g., 48+ miles, like the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid) and smaller combustion engines (e.g., Renault’s design) achieve better city efficiency when charged consistently. However, their true environmental benefit hinges on driver behavior and infrastructure support.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-electric-range-of-phevs-impact-their-overall-efficiency-in-cities/
