No, hybrid ≠ car that burns petrol & rubber! Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine battery and petrol power for the best of both worlds.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor and petrol to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). PHEV batteries can be charged using a wall outlet or charging equipment, by the ICE, or through regenerative braking.
The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Electric Cars
PHEVs offer the perks of an EV without the dreaded range anxiety. PHEVs combine a battery and electric motor with a petrol engine. Just plug in to charge the battery and drive on economical electric mode.
When the battery runs low, the petrol engine kicks in so you can keep on going. This gives rise to the major advantage of PHEVs – improved fuel economy compared to traditional petrol-powered cars.
Let’s take a closer look at how PHEVs work and why they provide the perfect bridge to the electric future.
Maximising Mileage
The electric motor in a hybrid handles the low-speed driving and supplements the petrol engine when needed for acceleration or passing. This allows the petrol engine to turn off when coasting, braking or idling, reducing fuel consumption.
I learned firsthand how dramatic the mileage gains can be when my neighbour Mike traded in his old Toyota Prado for a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. He told me that his first tank of petrol lasted almost a month! His old Prado guzzled 13 litres per 100km, but his new Outlander PHEV sips a mere 1.6 litres per 100km.
Mike raves about starting every morning with a “full tank” because he charges his Outlander in the garage after work.
No More Range Anxiety
PHEVs eliminate concerns about running out of juice because there’s a petrol engine on board. Mike can commute to work using no petrol, but still head down to Taupo on the weekend to go fly fishing thanks to the petrol engine kicking in when the battery depletes.
PHEV technology combines the environmental and cost savings benefits of an EV without the range limitations.
Smooth Operator
The instant torque provided by electric motors allows PHEVs to accelerate briskly when needed. The electric motor assists the engine in getting the car moving from a stop. This delivers a smooth, seamless driving experience.
While the electric motor delivers instant torque, the petrol engine extends your travels. When the battery charge gets low the petrol engine seamlessly provides power to maintain the feeling of steady cruising.
Green as Can Be
Reducing petrol use slashes emissions and offers significant cost savings. PHEVs are impressively green machines, especially if frequently charged. Short daily drives can stay all-electric.
More and more drivers are discovering they can do their part to help the planet without sacrificing performance.
Charging Ahead
Hybrid technology has come a long way in a short time. From improving batteries to expanding charging networks, PHEV technology will only get better.
Prices are becoming more competitive too. For eco-conscious drivers, PHEVs offer the ideal transition to clean transportation.
PHEVs let you tap into the advantages of electric driving paired with the freedom of petrol when you need to go farther.
If you’re looking for impressive fuel economy without the range anxiety, a hybrid could be your perfect match. If you’re considering going green, test drive a plug-in hybrid to experience the best of both worlds. You may find it’s the perfect fit!
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV LS 4WD
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