Using smaller batteries in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offers several environmental benefits compared to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) with larger batteries:
1. Reduced manufacturing emissions
The smaller battery size lowers the carbon footprint of production. Since battery manufacturing is energy-intensive, PHEVs generate fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during production compared to BEVs.
2. Lower critical mineral demand
Smaller batteries require fewer critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt), reducing mining-related environmental impacts. This decreases habitat disruption, water use, and pollution associated with mineral extraction.
3. Efficient emission reductions in the near term
PHEVs achieve faster emissions breakeven points compared to ICE vehicles (10,000–15,000 miles) and outperform BEVs in high-emission grid regions. Even when using gasoline for 30% of miles, PHEVs reduce lifetime GHG emissions by ~46% in the U.S.
4. Balanced grid impact
While BEVs may strain electricity grids during peak demand, PHEVs’ smaller batteries place less immediate load on charging infrastructure. This allows gradual grid adaptation as renewable capacity expands.
Tradeoffs
PHEVs still rely partially on gasoline, and their benefits depend on real-world charging behavior. However, their smaller batteries provide a pragmatic balance between reducing manufacturing/mining impacts and cutting operational emissions compared to full electrification in regions with fossil-heavy grids.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-benefits-of-using-smaller-batteries-in-phevs/
