Intro
Around 2012 a new variant of hybrid was introduced – the PHEV. Using similar technology to the hybrid, the PHEV offers bigger battery capacity (but which is smaller than a pure electric vehicle). This allows the vehicle to be driven for a modest amount of time on its electric element – 15 to 30 miles depending on the make and model. The key difference is that a PHEV needs to be directly charged in order to benefit from its capabilities.
Charging
Like the hybrid vehicle, drivers do not suffer from “range anxiety” with a PHEV. As there is a petrol or diesel combustion engine, this will operate when there is insufficient electric charge. As per a combustion engine/hybrid, the vehicle needs to be sufficiently fuelled.
How long does it take to charge a PHEV? This will depend on the capacity of the car/battery and the power output of your charging unit. For drivers using a standard household plug, this will take approximately 5-6 hours. For those with a dedicated home charging unit, this will take 3-4 hours depending on the output (there is a choice of between a 3.6KW (16Amp) or a 7.2KW (32Amp) option). There are a growing volume of fast charging points and rapid charging units which could do this in less than 30 minutes.
PHEV cars for you or your company to consider:
• BMW 330e
• BMW 530e
• Hyundai Ioniq (PHEV)
• Kia Niro (PHEV)
• Mercedes E300de
• Mercedes S560e
• Mini Countryman (PHEV)
• Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV)
• Range Rover Sport P400e
• Volkswagen Golf GTE
• Volvo XC60 Hybrid
• Volvo XC90 Hybrid