Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid prototype exhibited at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2008, Yokohama City, Japan.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines the propulsion capabilities of a traditional combustion engine with an electric motor. The PHEV uses essentially the same technology as an HEV but uses much larger high-voltage batteries to power the electric motor and has a longer all-electric range. But, unlike the batteries in the HEV, which are recharged by only the internal combustion engine, and other technologies, the batteries in PHEVs can also be recharged by using an external power source, such as a home electrical outlet.

The cost for electricity to power plug-in hybrids for all-electric operation has been estimated at less than one quarter of the cost of gasoline. Compared to conventional vehicles, PHEVs can reduce air pollution, dependence on petroleum, and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Plug-in hybrids use no fossil fuel during their all-electric range if their batteries are charged from nuclear or renewable energy sources. Other benefits include improved national energy security, fewer fill-ups at the filling station, the convenience of home recharging, opportunities to provide emergency backup power in the home, and vehicle to grid applications.