Advantages of PHEVs Over HEVs in Stop-and-Go Traffic
- All-electric operation: PHEVs can function as pure EVs in urban settings, using only their electric motor for propulsion during short trips and low-speed driving, eliminating tailpipe emissions entirely when the battery is charged.
- Enhanced regenerative braking: PHEVs often feature more powerful electric motors and driver-adjustable regenerative braking, enabling one-pedal driving to efficiently recapture energy during frequent stops.
- Reduced fuel consumption: In electric-only mode, PHEVs avoid gasoline use entirely for short commutes and errands, while HEVs must intermittently engage their combustion engine even at low speeds.
- Lower emissions in urban areas: By prioritizing electric power during stop-and-go scenarios, PHEVs significantly decrease local air pollution compared to HEVs.
- Optimized for urban range: PHEV batteries (though smaller than full EVs) are sized to handle typical city trip lengths, whereas HEV batteries only assist the engine during acceleration and low-speed driving.
Key Limitation
These advantages depend heavily on keeping the PHEV’s battery charged. Frequent highway driving without recharging negates these benefits, causing PHEVs to operate similarly to HEVs.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-advantages-of-phevs-over-hevs-in-stop-and-go-traffic/
