The transition from electric to gasoline mode in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) typically results in a noticeable change in acceleration characteristics. While the transition itself is designed to be seamless to the driver, the acceleration tends to be quicker in electric mode and slower once the vehicle switches to gasoline mode.
Effect on Acceleration During Transition
- Electric mode acceleration: PHEVs use electric motors to provide quick, instant torque, which results in faster acceleration from a standstill or at low speeds. Electric-only driving delivers strong initial acceleration due to the immediate power delivery of electric motors.
- Gasoline mode acceleration: When the vehicle switches to gasoline mode after the electric range is depleted, acceleration usually becomes less brisk. Gasoline engines take longer to deliver peak torque compared to electric motors, which leads to a reduction in the quick acceleration feel inherent in electric mode. Despite this, many PHEVs blend gas and electric power at times for smoother transitions and decent performance.
- Seamlessness of transition: The shift from electric to gas mode is designed to be smooth and often imperceptible in terms of drivability. However, the performance in terms of acceleration noticeably diminishes once relying solely on the combustion engine.
Real-World Examples and Data
- According to DriveClean, the transition from electric to gas mode is seamless but does incur a loss of the quick acceleration characteristic of electric mode. Some PHEVs switch back and forth between gas and electric until the battery runs low.
- Testing shows that PHEVs accelerate significantly faster in hybrid mode (using both gas and electric power) compared to running in electric-only mode. For example, the Toyota Prius Prime, BMW X5, and others take about twice as long to reach 60 mph in electric mode alone versus when the gasoline engine is also engaged. Specifically, the Mercedes-Benz GLE450e PHEV took 5.3 seconds to 60 mph in hybrid mode but 14.4 seconds in electric-only mode, demonstrating how total output and acceleration dynamics shift depending on the power source in use.
- Some drivers report that transitions in certain models (e.g., BMW X5 xDrive50e) can be noticeable especially during harder acceleration when the gasoline engine engages, affecting the smoothness of power delivery.
Summary
- Electric mode: Faster acceleration due to immediate torque from the electric motor.
- Gasoline mode: Slower acceleration due to combustion engine characteristics.
- Transition: Generally seamless in terms of drivability but entails a loss of the quick, responsive acceleration found in electric mode.
- Overall performance: Hybrid mode combining electric and gasoline power usually offers the best acceleration, outperforming either mode alone.
This means that while PHEVs offer the benefit of electric-only driving with strong initial acceleration, once the vehicle switches to gasoline mode, the acceleration feels less brisk, though the transition is designed to be smooth for the driver.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-transition-from-electric-to-gasoline-mode-affect-the-acceleration-of-a-phev/
