Urban driving tends to affect the electric range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) positively compared to highway driving, mainly because of the nature of stop-and-go traffic and lower speeds.
How Urban Driving Affects PHEV Electric Range
- Regenerative Braking: In city driving, frequent stops and starts enable PHEVs to recapture energy through regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery and extend the electric-only range. This is a key advantage over highway driving where regenerative braking opportunities are limited.
- Lower Speeds: PHEVs tend to use less energy at lower speeds typical of urban environments. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, their electric motors are more efficient at city speeds, which usually results in better electric range performance in urban settings.
- Electric Range Utilization: Many PHEVs available today have all-electric ranges of about 20 to 40 miles (32 to 64 km), which can be sufficient to cover typical daily urban commutes fully on electric power if charged regularly. Some models even offer longer electric ranges (around 50 km or more), which can cover most urban trips without activating the combustion engine.
- Charging Frequency: Regular charging is important to maximize urban electric driving. Studies show that if PHEVs are charged daily, they can use their all-electric range to electrify about 85% of driving days, especially for urban trips.
- Engine Power Limitation: To promote more electric-only driving, limiting the combustion engine power relative to electric motor power is recommended. This is relevant for urban driving where electric power can efficiently meet most driving needs without switching to gasoline.
Summary
Urban driving benefits the electric range of PHEVs because stop-and-go traffic enhances regenerative braking, and lower speeds allow more efficient electric driving. PHEVs with longer electric ranges and frequent charging can cover most urban trips fully on electric power, reducing gasoline use significantly in city driving conditions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-urban-driving-affect-the-electric-range-of-phevs/
