Exclusive: It’s time to pull the plug on plug-in hybrids
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are rarely charged, according to a new study. Why are automakers still producing them?
TL;DR
- A study of 1 million PHEVs in Germany found less than a third are charged regularly.
- PHEVs rarely deliver on their promised efficiency and emissions reductions.
- Toyota drivers used electricity for 44% of driving, while Porsche drivers used only 0.8%.
- PHEVs often rely on gasoline engines due to small batteries and platform compromises.
- The failure to charge undermines the goal of habituating drivers to EV charging.
- Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are mentioned as a potential alternative, but have also seen limited adoption.
- The article suggests automakers should reconsider their PHEV strategies as EV charging infrastructure expands.