PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is a type of vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery that lets you drive further on zero- emissions electric power.
Plug-In Hybrid combines alternative fuels to displace the oil consumption in conventional vehicles. Similar to Hybrid PHEVs integrate the electric power path with the mechanical power path by using both conventional combustion engines (ICE) and electric machines. They can also be charged directly by plugging the wire into the wall to get power from the grid.
Functions and Benefits of PHEV
PHEVs combine the function of HV and EV running both on electricity and petrol. Large battery capacities enable PHEVs to operate in all-electric mode as much as possible thus reducing fuel consumption. PHEVs have an all-electric driving range compared with pure EVs due to battery costs which limit battery capacities.
The Changing Technology
Internal Combustion Engine
The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is older than the automobile, dating all the way back to 1864, but consider the advantage: Lifetimes have been spent perfecting the Internal Combustion Engine, using everything from sledgehammers, to slide rules, to supercomputers.
How Does PHEV Work?
A plug-in hybrid requires plugging into the mains to fully recharge the battery. PHEVs can run in just electric mode while offering the benefits of a Hybrid-electric line-up but with greater performance and the ability to travel further on pure electric drive. It is a vehicle that delivers an unmatched combination of power and environmental efficiency in its class.
Components of PHEV
Battery
PHEV battery is located underneath the floor and serves as the principal source of energy. PHEVs require large quantities of batteries with sufficient energy capacity and power in order to meet the all-electric driving range. The PHEV battery is capable of supplying all power required to propel the vehicle throughout a specific driving range.
The difference between HV and PHEV
A Hybrid and PHEV vehicles consist of similar technology. A Hybrid vehicle switches seamlessly between two power sources, petrol engine and a self-charging battery.PHEVs operate in a similar manner but feature a high-capacity battery.
What is the driving range of a PHEV?
A PHEV can travel exclusively in electric mode, without emitting carbon dioxide for up to 75km. When travelling long distances and the battery runs out of charge, the vehicle will seamlessly switch to operating as a hybrid vehicle combining petrol and regenerative power in order to get you safely to your destination and with complete peace of mind.
Driving Modes of a PHEV
Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode:
A plug-in charge control system is fitted which allows electric power to be transported to the HV battery from the external power source such as an electrical socket or charger. When the HV battery is charged the vehicle will run on the power of the motor. The RAV4 Plug-in operates by default in EV mode. When the limit of the EV range is reached it will switch automatically to HV(hybrid) mode. The driver can choose to start the journey in HV mode switching to EV mode when necessary to maximise efficiency.
Key elements of a PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Battery(auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle the auxiliary battery which has a low voltage provides electricity to start the car before the hybrid battery is engaged. It also powers he vehicle accessories. Charge Port: The port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply in order to charge the hybrid battery port.
