*As per ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
Best PHEV SUVs
As mentioned earlier, only a few plug-in hybrid cars are on sale in the Indian market. Hence, there are not many options available in the SUV segment. The Volvo XC90 Recharge is the only PHEV SUV available in the country.
Best PHEV sedans
The story is no different when it comes to the sedan segment. Since plug-in hybrid technology is complex and expensive, only a few manufacturers are keen to explore this segment. Currently, the BMW 7 Series is the only PHEV sedan available in India.
Best PHEV hatchbacks
In India, hatchbacks are predominantly mass-market offerings. Even the premium hatchbacks carry an affordable price tag. A plug-in hybrid hatchback may be way too expensive in a price-sensitive market such as India. That’s the reason why there are no PHEV hatchbacks in India.
How does a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle work?
The overall working principle of PHEV vehicles is similar to standard hybrid cars. The only difference is the larger battery pack which needs to be plugged into an external power source. Refer to the points below to understand how a plug-in hybrid car works.
Typically, a PHEV starts up in all-electric mode, wherein the electric powertrain independently propels the vehicle.
The vehicle will continue to run in pure electric mode until the battery pack runs out of charge.
In some PHEVs, the vehicle switches to hybrid mode (electric motor + IC engine) once the car hits cruising speeds.
Once the battery charge is depleted, the IC engine takes over, and the vehicle functions as a conventional petrol/diesel car.
The battery pack can be charged by plugging it into an external power source.
The battery also gets charged via regenerative braking and with the help of the IC engine.
Also read: How do electric cars work?
Types of PHEVs
Further, there are two types of plug-in hybrid configurations.
Series plug-in hybrid: In this type of configuration, only the electric powertrain propels the vehicle. The vehicle runs on all-electric mode until the battery charge depletes. Once the battery loses its charge, the engine powers the electric motor. The series plug-in hybrid may not use conventional fuel at low speeds and short commutes.
Parallel plug-in hybrid: In this type of setup, both the electric powertrain and the conventional engine propel the vehicle in almost all driving conditions. Generally, the vehicle can operate in all-electric mode only at slow speeds.
Key components of PHEV
Below are the key components of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Electric motor: An electric motor is a crucial component of the electric powertrain. It propels the vehicle in pure-electric mode or works in tandem with the IC engine. Depending on the PHEV type, the electric motor draws power from the battery pack or IC engine.
IC engine: The conventional engine propels the vehicle when the battery runs out of charge. The IC engine may also power the electric motor or charge the battery pack in some vehicles.
Battery pack: There are mainly two types of batteries in a PHEV. The primary battery pack is the traction battery that powers the electric motor, and the secondary or auxiliary battery powers other electrical components of the car. The traction battery can juice up by connecting it to an external power source.
Onboard charger: Since the battery needs to be charged, the onboard charger plays a crucial role. It converts the AC (Alternative Current) electricity to DC (Direct Current) electricity to charge the battery pack. It also monitors various parameters such as battery voltage, temperature, charging status, etc.
Generator: It generates electricity with the help of an IC engine. Some electric motors also act as a generator as they convert kinetic energy (energy loss while slowing down the vehicle) into electrical energy. The electrical power is utilised to charge the battery.
Transmission: Without a gearbox, the electrical energy and IC engine are of no use; because it is responsible for the transmission of power from the engine/electric motor. A PHEV uses a conventional transmission like any other petrol/diesel car.
Charging port: It allows the battery pack to connect to an external power source via a cable. The charging cable connects to the charging port and a power source such as the standard household socket or a dedicated charging station.
Fuel tank: It holds the fuel for the Internal Combustion engine. When the battery runs out of juice, the IC engine takes over, and the engine can only run if there’s fuel. Hence, it’s also a crucial component of a plug-in hybrid car.
PHEV: Pros and cons
You already know what a PHEV is and how it works. Now, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Advantages of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Below are some of the pros of PHEVs.
PHEVs produce zero emissions when running on pure electric mode.
They produce fewer carbon emissions compared to conventional petrol/diesel cars.
The plug-in hybrid cars are fuel-efficient at slow speeds, with the electric powertrain assisting the engine.
The running cost is low if you drive for short distances.
No range anxiety as you can rely on the IC engine for longer journeys.
Disadvantages of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Here are some of the cons of plug-in hybrid electric cars.
PHEVs are expensive compared to their conventional and standard hybrid counterparts.
The fuel efficiency may more or less be the same as a conventional vehicle during long highway journeys.
The pure electric performance may take a hit with the deteriorating battery life.
The battery charging takes a few hours, depending on the type of charger.
The repair costs of the electric powertrain may run high.
How to charge a plug-in hybrid car?
PHEV charging is similar to charging an electric vehicle. You need to connect the charging cable to a power source and plug in the connector to the onboard charging connector. If you charge your plug-in hybrid car via a standard home power outlet, you can follow the steps below.
Step 1: Connect the charging cable to a power outlet. Typically a 3-pin plug slots into the household power socket.
Step 2: Locate the charging port in your vehicle and ensure that it is accessible.
Step 3: Connect the connector plug to the charging port.
That’s it; your PHEV will start charging.
If you have set up a home charging station, all you need to do is slot the charging connector into the charging port on the vehicle, and the battery will start charging.
Lastly, you can also charge your PHEV at a public charging station. However, ensure that the charging plug or the connector is compatible with your vehicle. You can drive your car to a public charging station, connect the plug to the charging connector slot, and the battery will start charging. Once done, you can make the payment for the consumed electricity.
Also, read: Charging an electric car at home: Time, cost, set up and more
Difference between PHEV and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles)
Refer to the table below to know more about PHEV vs BEV. We have compared both vehicles based on various parameters to highlight the key differences between pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
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