This video explains the technology behind plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It covers how PHEVs combine gasoline and electric power for greater fuel efficiency and flexibility. The video highlights the benefits of PHEVs, including reduced emissions and lower running costs.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, is a gasoline and electric-powered vehicle that uses a rechargeable battery to power the electric motor. The car can run on electric power alone or blend between gas and electric as needed. The battery generally lasts 25 miles or more in pure electric mode. Many of the electrical components in a plug-in hybrid function similarly to those found in all-electric cars, but there are some differences. Plug-in hybrids have smaller batteries than all-electric cars. The battery pack powers all of the electrical components. Most modern batteries are made from lithium because they can store a lot of energy while also remaining relatively lightweight. PHEVs also come standard with regenerative braking, which recovers energy using the vehicle's momentum and extends the battery's charge. The transmission in a plug-in hybrid allows the car to run on two different energy sources – gas and electricity. The transmission can select either the combustion engine, the electric motor, or both. Because they're able to run on electric power alone, plug-in hybrids have the potential to significantly reduce exhaust emissions. There is both a battery charging port and a separate standard gasoline filler on a plug-in hybrid. While most PHEVs can handle AC power from standard home wall outlets and Level 2 charging, DC fast chargers are generally too powerful for most plug-in hybrids. The flexibility of a plug-in hybrid allows drivers to forego the option of charging altogether and travel solely on gasoline, if necessary. Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get recommendations for other useful content on green cars and how they can work best for you.