The emissions savings of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) over Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are influenced by several key factors:
Factors Influencing Emissions Savings
- Electric Range and Charging Frequency:
- PHEVs allow for more extensive use of electric power, leading to greater emissions reductions if regularly charged and utilized within their electric range.
- Increased electric range and higher frequency of charging can significantly reduce tailpipe emissions.
- Utility Factor:
- The utility factor refers to the percentage of miles a PHEV travels using electricity. Higher utility factors lead to greater emissions savings.
- Real-world utility factors are often lower than official ratings, affecting actual emissions reduction.
- Grid Decarbonization:
- As the electricity grid becomes more decarbonized, charging PHEVs becomes cleaner, leading to further emissions reductions compared to traditional hybrids.
- Cleaner energy sources (like solar or wind) reduce the carbon footprint of electricity used by PHEVs.
- Engine Size and Power:
- Engine size and power in PHEVs impact fuel consumption and direct CO2 emissions during combustion phases.
- Optimizing engine size and electric motor performance can enhance real-world fuel efficiency and emissions.
- V2G Services and Efficiency of Generators:
- PHEVs can support the grid by providing energy storage and ancillary services, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of electric generators and reducing peak emissions.
- This can lead to a more efficient use of electricity resources and lower overall emissions.
By optimizing these factors, PHEVs can offer more significant emissions savings compared to HEVs. However, real-world usage patterns and grid carbon intensity remain critical determinants of actual emissions reductions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-factors-influence-the-emissions-savings-of-phevs-over-hevs/
