PHEV: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

July 27, 2019September 21, 2023 Stephen Corby 31254 Views

Like hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (or PHEVs) have an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor. Plug-in vehicles take the hybrid philosophy a step further by fitting a larger battery pack that can be recharged externally. The idea is that you can drive for short distances, typically 30-60km, using only the electric motor. The engine can add power on demand. Once the battery is drained, purely electric driving is impossible, so the PHEV will switch to hybrid operation. Some PHEVs also allow the driver to select a mode where engine power is used to recharge the battery pack. Because there is a fuel tank you can drive anywhere you can in a petrol-powered vehicle.

Pros: Can run frequently on electricity, petrol tank backup for longer journeys
Cons: Added weight of engine reduces efficiency, short EV range
Ideal for: People doing mostly short trips but who need flexibility for long journeys
Examples: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Volvo XC60 T8, Range Rover PHEV Vogue, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, BMW 330e

Stephen Corby

Stephen is a former editor of both Wheels and Top Gear Australia magazines and has been writing about cars since Henry Ford was a boy. Initially an EV sceptic, he has performed a 180-degree handbrake turn and is now a keen advocate for electrification and may even buy a Porsche Taycan one day, if he wins the lottery. Twice.