Environmental Benefits of PHEVs Over HEVs
Emissions Reduction
- Lifetime Emissions: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) generally reduce lifetime emissions more effectively than Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). PHEVs can lower emissions by using electricity from the grid for a significant portion of their mileage, which can be cleaner than the fuel used by HEVs, especially in regions with a low-carbon electricity mix.
- Carbon Footprint: On average, PHEVs reduce lifetime emissions by about 46% compared to conventional vehicles in the U.S., which often outperforms the emissions reduction potential of both HEVs and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) when considering battery production impacts.
Operational Efficiency and Grid Interaction
- Electric Mode Utilization: Unlike HEVs, which rely on gasoline for most of their operation, PHEVs can operate primarily on electricity, reducing tailpipe emissions when in electric mode.
- Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Services: PHEVs can offer V2G services, such as energy storage and ancillary services, which can enhance grid efficiency and reduce overall emissions by optimizing electricity generation and consumption.
Battery Size and Resource Efficiency
- Smaller Battery Size: PHEVs typically have smaller batteries compared to BEVs, which reduces the amount of critical minerals required. This smaller battery size also lowers the emissions associated with battery production, making PHEVs more resource-efficient than BEVs.
- Flexibility: PHEVs offer flexibility by combining both electric and combustion engine capabilities, making them suitable for various driving conditions and regions.
Overall, PHEVs offer significant environmental benefits by reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency compared to HEVs, especially in areas with cleaner electricity generation. However, their advantages can vary based on factors like grid cleanliness, driving habits, and specific vehicle models.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-benefits-of-phevs-over-hevs/
