Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are two of the hottest emerging vehicle technologies, offering the promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. But what exactly are the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of EVs versus PHEVs in real world driving? This article will provide a thorough comparison.
Brief History
EVs and plug-in hybrids share intertwined histories, with both traceable back over 100 years. EVs emerged first in the late 19th century but were soon overtaken in popularity by gasoline cars. Interest was renewed with advances in battery technology in the 1960s and 1990s.
The first modern EVs were introduced in the 1990s, like GM‘s EV1 in 1996. Meanwhile the first hybrids emerged around the same time from Honda and Toyota. The first PHEVs or plug-in hybrids came later in the 2000s from companies like Fisker and ended up being precursors to vehicles like the Chevy Volt.
In the 2010s costs came down dramatically while driving ranges for EVs went up. From 2010 to 2020 EV sales grew over 25 times from just 20,000 per year globally to over 3 million. Future growth projections remain highly optimistic.
How They Work
EVs are fully electric vehicles, powered 100% by large battery packs with no gasoline engine. Their motors draw current from batteries composed of cells similar to those found in consumer devices and turn it into torque that drives the wheels.
PHEVs have smaller capacity batteries than full EVs, generally with around 30-50 miles of electric-only range. They couple these batteries with an internal combustion engine and gas tank like a traditional car. They can drive on just electricity at first before the gas motor kicks in to provide extended range.
Some key specs comparing current generation EVs and PHEVs:
| EV | Plug-In Hybrid | |
| Electric Range | 200+ miles | 30-50 miles |
| Recharge Time | 8-12 hours (120V) | 5-6 hours (120V) |
| Available Models | Over 35 | Around 15 |
As these specs illustrate, EVs offer much greater electric-only range thanks to larger battery packs, but require longer recharge times as a result. PHEV batteries charge faster due to their smaller size. However there are fewer PHEV options available compared to the many EVs now on the market across vehicle segments.
Real World Range
One of the biggest questions surrounding EVs is just how far they can drive on a single charge. Manufacturers publish impressive-sounding maximum ranges, but how do these hold up in real world conditions?
Independent testing shows that while maximum ranges are rarely achieved, well-designed EVs can still drive 150 to over 300 miles on a charge depending on vehicle size and battery capacity. For example, the Long Range versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have achieved over 300 miles of range during highway and mixed use in tests. Meanwhile more affordable options like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro have exceeded 250 miles.
PHEVs have smaller batteries so their real-world electric-only ranges are lower, from around 20-35 miles in many cases. Still, this is sufficient range to cover most people‘s daily commuting needs of under 30 miles roundtrip. For longer trips PHEVs continue to operate as normal hybrids, with the gas engine kicking in seamlessly after the initial electric miles are used up.
Charging Considerations
A big limitation for EVs versus gas-powered cars is the time needed to recharge. Using Level 1 and 2 chargers installed at homes, EVs typically require at least overnight to restore a vehicle to full charge. Fast DC fast charging stations can cut this down to under an hour, but availability of public charging infrastructure is still inconsistent.
PHEVs charge faster thanks to smaller batteries. Using a 240V home charger, most PHEVs can charge fully in under 6 hours. However, relying on public infrastructure to routinely charge a PHEV rather than plugging in at home reduces most of the efficiency advantages.
Ultimately EVs work best for drivers who can charge reliably at home and use their vehicle for regular commuting within the range limits. PHEVs alleviate range anxiety via the gas backup, but you may end up using gas more than desired if you can‘t conveniently plug in.
Performance
One area where EVs particularly shine is driving performance – electric motors provide instant torque for rapid acceleration. While PHEVs also enjoy a responsiveness boost from their electric motors, EVs have the performance edge.
For example, a Tesla Model 3 in range topping Performance trim can accelerate 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds thanks to powerful dual electric motors. Other EVs may not be quite that quick, but most offer brisk acceleration that rivals equivalent gas-powered cars. PHEVs are generally slower since they carry extra weight from having two powertrains.
The electric motor‘s consistent torque delivery also contributes to a smooth driving feel in both vehicle types. For those reasons EVs and PHEVs can provide a uniquely quiet yet thrilling driving experience compared to gas vehicles.
Environmental Benefits
The core reason for the rise of electrified vehicles is slashing transportation emissions via energy from renewable electricity grids instead of burning gasoline. Here EVs have a clear-cut advantage: generating zero direct emissions while driving.
PHEVs also avoid tailpipe emissions initially while in electric mode but still end up burning gasoline after their modest electric range is used up. So their overall lifetime emissions depend greatly on what portion of miles are driven on electric power versus gas. Used properly, PHEVs can dramatically cut emissions, but EVs are fundamentally cleaner long term.
Looking at emissions from a full lifecycle perspective, EVs are still generally lower. Lithium battery packs do carry substantial embedded carbon footprints from resource extraction and manufacturing. But analyses have found driving on renewable energy, EVs become carbon positive vs gas cars within 1 to 2 years.
Upfront and Operating Costs
A downside for both vehicle types are purchase prices that can run $10,000 or more higher than equivalent gas models. EVs virtually always cost more upfront since companies must recover R&D and the high expense of large battery packs. PHEVs can provide more cost-effective entry points into electrification, with smaller batteries keeping starting prices in check.
Thankfully, government incentives in the U.S. and abroad help defray costs. Federal tax credits of $7,500 are available for new EV and PHEV purchases, while additional state and utility perks can drive final prices downward. Analyses show total 10-year ownership costs for EVs and PHEVs are approaching parity with gas cars.
Looking purely at driving, the operational cost per mile is far lower for electrified vehicles. At U.S. residential electricity rates, fueling a vehicle on electric power costs a third to a quarter as much per mile as gas. Less maintenance needs with simpler drivetrains also keep costs down long term.
Ideal Use Cases
Given their pros, cons and cost considerations, which vehicle technology is optimal for different drivers? Here is a breakdown:
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EVs – Best for urban residents and suburban commuters who can charge nightly and drive less than 200 miles daily. Performance and technology enthusiasts will also appreciate EVs.
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PHEVs – Ideal for suburban and rural buyers who want to cut gas needs without range anxiety on longer drives. Also practical for city dwellers in rental housing or without home charging access.
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Non-plug Hybrids – Traditional hybrids lacking plug-in charging remain a good compromise for high mileage drivers not ready to commit to full electrification.
In general EVs work best as primary vehicles for denser metro regions, while PHEVs provide flexibility for varied driving needs across broader geographies. Individual driving behavior is the ultimate determinant.
Latest Releases and Future Outlook
The good news for eco-minded drivers is expanded choices on the horizon. Legacy automakers plan over 100 new EV and PHEV models worldwide within 5 years. Options will grow across vehicle segments from affordable compacts to pickups and SUVs.
New EV-exclusive platforms engineered specifically for battery packs and electric motors promise huge leaps in range, charging speed, interior space and driving dynamics compared to adapted gas vehicle designs. Next generation PHEVs will also become more sophisticated in blending electric and gas propulsion.
The outlook for charging infrastructure is similarly bright – today over 100,000 public charging ports are open in the U.S. with funding committed to grow tenfold by 2030. Renewable energy generation to supply clean power to EVs continues rising exponentially.
While upfront prices remain higher on average, improving battery costs and manufacturing scale promise to accelerate adoption of plug-in vehicles. Continued innovation on both pure EVs and PHEVs will give eco-conscious buyers great choices for reducing their transportation footprint now and in the future.
