Plug-in hybrid electric cars (PHEVs) are those that combine the characteristics of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with those of pure electric vehicles (EVs). If you understand it in simple words then it would be correct to say that it is a combination of (ICE) + (EV).
Here is the rest of the information on how they work:
Two Power Sources
The primary difference between a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and a conventional hybrid is that plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs) must be plugged into an electrical outlet to recharge their batteries. This can be done while a conventional hybrid cannot. PHEVs have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a battery.
Battery
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have larger batteries than regular hybrids but smaller than fully electric vehicles. This battery can be charged by plugging it into an electrical energy source. When fully charged, PHEVs can run on electric power alone for short distances, often 20 to 50 miles or more, depending on the model.
Electric Drive Only
When the car is started, it often runs in electric mode by drawing energy from the battery. As long as the battery has sufficient charge, the car will operate as an electric vehicle, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
Hybrid Mode
Once the battery charge is depleted to a certain level, the gasoline engine starts. From here the vehicle operates like a traditional hybrid vehicle, where the engine and motor work together to optimize fuel consumption as long as it can. The engine can either drive the wheels directly and recharge the battery, doing both simultaneously here.
Regenerative Braking
Like other hybrids and EVs, plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs) often use regenerative braking. When the brakes are applied, instead of dissipating the vehicle’s kinetic energy as heat, the electric motor works as a generator, converting some of the energy back into electricity and storing it in the battery.
Fueling and Recharging
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) can be refuelled with gasoline, petrol or diesel, depending on the type of fuel it supports, and can be recharged from electricity. The flexibility of using both energy sources can reduce drivers’ “range anxiety” as they do not have to rely solely on the availability of charging stations.
Energy Management System
Modern plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs) come with sophisticated computer systems that manage the power flow between the engine, motor, and battery. This ensures optimum performance and efficiency.
Benefits
PHEVs offer several benefits:
Flexibility
Can run on gasoline, electricity, or both.
Emissions Reduction
When running in electric mode, PHEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. Overall, they can contribute to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, especially if the electricity comes from renewable sources.
Fuel Savings
PHEVs often reduce fuel consumption due to their ability to run on electric power for short trips.
Incentives
Many governments provide incentives for PHEVs due to their environmental benefits.
PHEVs act as a middle ground between traditional hybrid and full electric vehicles, providing many of the benefits of EVs without some of the limitations such as range concerns. As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, PHEVs are expected to become an even more attractive option for many consumers.
