Plug-in hybrid

Plug-in hybrid

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is any vehicle powered by a combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor with storage batteries that can be recharged by connecting the vehicle by plug to an external electrical power source. Plug-in hybrids typically have characteristics of both conventional hybrid electric vehicles and of battery electric vehicles. While PHEVs are usually passenger vehicles, plug-in hybrid technology has been implemented or proposed in delivery vans, trucks, buses, military vehicles, and other medium- to heavy-duty vehicles.

The cost for electricity to power PHEVs in California is about one fourth the cost of gasoline. If their batteries are charged from renewable energy such as wind or hydropower, PHEVs use minimal amounts of fossil fuel for their all-electric range, and may thereby reduce dependence on petroleum and mitigate global warming by alleviating the greenhouse effect. Plug-in hybrids have been identified as having significant potential as alternative fuel vehicles.UNIQ13a008212792c924-ref78178390706c535e00000001

Plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles are not in mass production as of early 2007, although some manufacturers have indicated that they intend to introduce PHEV production models. Prototypes have been built to demonstrate the technology and to encourage its widespread adaptation. Conversions of production model hybrid vehicles may be available from conversion kits and conversion services pending commercial production. Most existing PHEVs are conversions of Toyota Prius hybrid cars. These prototypes retain the Prius's "idle-off" capability and regenerative braking, among other characteristics, while adding extended electric-only drive capability, and electrical plug charging.

All-electric range is designated by the form PHEV-(number) representing the number of miles the vehicle can travel on electric power alone. For example, a PHEV-10 can travel ten miles without the use of petroleum gasoline.