Many EV drivers suffer from range anxiety. They fear they will run out of energy and get stuck or have to make inconvenient stops to recharge their electric vehicle (EV) batteries. For this reason, demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is high. Please read on to learn more about PHEV charging at home and on the road.
What is a PHEV?
A PHEV is a hybrid vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with a battery pack. The PHEV can be recharged using an external power source, offering a limited all-electric range before switching to gasoline. This dual capability increases fuel economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making PHEVs an excellent option for drivers transitioning to electric mobility.
How are hybrids charged?
Hybrid cars typically charge through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. In addition, some hybrid models are plug-in hybrids, allowing users to recharge their batteries by connecting to an external power source, such as an electrical outlet or charging station, providing extended electric-only driving range.
How long does it take to charge a PHEV battery?
How long it takes to charge a PHEV depends on factors such as battery capacity, the electric vehicle’s charger and the battery’s charge level. Charging at level 1 (120 V) is the slowest and takes 8 to 12 hours. Level 2 (240 volts) charging at public electric vehicle charging stations or at home takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Level 3 charging (DC fast chargers) offers fast charging in minutes if compatible with the vehicle.
How long does it take to charge a fully discharged PHEV with a Level 1 charger?
Charging time depends on the size of the PHEV’s battery and typically ranges from about 13.6 kWh (e.g., Toyota Prius Prime) to 20 kWh (e.g., Mitsubishi Outlander). A Level 1 EV charger delivers about 1.2 kW to the PHEV battery. Experts recommend keeping PHEV batteries between 20% and 80% charged. According to this recommendation, it would take about 6.7 to 10 hours to charge a PHEV battery with a Level 1 charger.
What chargers are compatible with PHEVs?
PHEVs are compatible with Level 1 chargers using standard outlets, and most PHEVs are equipped with the necessary equipment. They can also use Level 2 chargers commonly found at public stations or in home installations. In addition, some PHEVs can support DC fast chargers (DCFCs), which offer the fastest charging.
Can I charge my PHEV with a fast charger?
PHEVs generally cannot use DC fast chargers, also known as Level 3 chargers. These electric vehicle charging stations provide a high-voltage direct current (DC) power source, allowing electric vehicles to charge quickly. PHEVs, however, are designed with lower-capacity batteries compared to all-electric vehicles and typically rely on Level 1 or Level 2 charging options. Select models, however, have PHEV fast charging capabilities.
What are the fastest-charging PHEVs?
Several PHEV models offer fast-charging capabilities, making them the fastest-charging PHEVs. Some of the PHEVs that are equipped with DC fast chargers, according to the automakers’ websites, include:
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: This model has a CHAdeMO port, making it compatible with fast chargers.
- Volvo XC40 Recharge T5: The PHEV version of the Volvo XC40 Recharge offers CCS standard PHEV fast charging capability.
- MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4: This PHEV from MINI can use DCFC, making it one of the fastest-charging PHEVs on the market.
How do I know if my PHEV has fast charging capability?
The fastest-charging PHEVs have connectors that allow the use of DC fast chargers. In North America, one common type of DCFC plug is the Combined Charging System (CCS). Another type of DCFC plug is the CHAdeMO connector, commonly used by Japanese automakers, including the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, for fast charging. Please check whether your PHEV is equipped with a fast-charging port or refer to the manufacturer’s information to determine whether your PHEV is equipped with fast-charging functionality.
Can I use public charging stations for my PHEV?
Yes, you can use public charging stations for your plug-in hybrid. Please make sure your PHEV has the appropriate EV charging connector and, if necessary, an adapter. While most PHEVs support Level 3 fast charging, many can use Level 2 stations for convenient and faster charging away from home.
Where can I charge my PHEV?
You can charge your plug-in hybrid at a variety of locations, including home charging stations, workplace EV chargers and public EV charging networks.
Do I need a special charger to charge my plug-in hybrid at home?
In most cases, you do not need a special charger to charge your PHEV at home. Most plug-in hybrids come with a Level 1 charging cable that can be plugged into a standard household electrical outlet. This basic charging configuration is convenient for overnight charging.
However, a Level 2 charging station can be installed for faster charging at home. Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts and are more powerful than standard home outlets. Although not absolutely necessary, a Level 2 charger can significantly reduce charging time compared to Level 1.
How big are PHEV batteries?
Battery capacity in plug-in hybrids varies, and typically ranges from around 8 kWh to 20 kWh. However, some premium models, such as the Polestar 1 (with a 34 kWh battery) and the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (with a 25.9 kWh battery), have a battery with a larger capacity.
The PHEV’s battery capacity and vehicle performance determine the all-electric range, with larger batteries typically providing greater electric-only driving range before the combustion engine is turned on. However, larger PHEV batteries mean long charging times if the battery is largely discharged.
What happens if I don’t charge my PHEV?
If you do not charge your PHEV, it will only run on gasoline, using the internal combustion engine. While this allows you to continue driving without electric charging, it reduces the benefits of reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency associated with running solely on electric power. Regular charging of the PHEV ensures optimal use of its two power sources and increased overall efficiency.
What is the all-electric range of a PHEV vehicle?
The all-electric range of a PHEV varies from model to model. In general, PHEVs offer an all-electric range of 10 to 60 miles on a fully charged battery. This range allows for short trips and daily commutes on electric power alone, reducing reliance on gasoline and lowering overall emissions. However, some premium PHEVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid and Polestar I PHEV, have long electric-only ranges of up to 133 km and 123 km, respectively.
Here’s a look at the electric-powered range of the most popular plug-in hybrids available on the U.S. market under ideal driving conditions:
Meeting the demand for electric vehicle charging station installations.
Understanding how PHEVs charge is critical for EV charging station installers to better serve their customers. With sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles soaring, there are many opportunities for electric vehicle charger installation contractors.