Use Regenerative Braking Effectively

Regenerative braking helps recharge your battery by recovering energy typically lost during braking. To maximise how much energy you’re able to recover, avoid harsh braking and allow regenerative braking to slow your vehicle gradually whenever your surrounding environment permits.

Minimising the use of features like heating, air conditioning, and other accessories can significantly improve efficiency. Most PHEVs will make use of a feature called “Pre-conditioning”, which allows you to cool or heat the vehicle’s cabin to your chosen temperature. Pre-conditioning can also heat your battery in colder conditions to ensure the optimal operating temperature is reached, improving range whilst driving on battery power. Your vehicle is also usually plugged into a power source whilst it pre-conditions, reducing the demand on the battery once you start driving.

Is PHEV better than a hybrid?

Whether a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is better than a traditional hybrid (HEV) depends on your driving habits and needs. Modern PHEVs can travel between 50-60 miles on electric power alone , which is more than enough for most daily commutes and local trips, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. For longer journeys, the petrol engine provides seamless flexibility, ensuring you can go the distance without range anxiety. In contrast, traditional hybrids are simpler and often come with a lower upfront cost since they don’t require charging infrastructure. However, they rely more heavily on their petrol engines, making them less efficient and more expensive to run over time compared to PHEVs.

What is the difference between PHEVs and HEVs?

The main difference between Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) is that PHEVs have a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source, for example a home charger. This allows them to run on electric power for a limited range. HEVs, on the other hand, rely on a smaller battery that is charged by the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking as they don’t have the ability to plug in - resulting in a much smaller distance of electric-only driving compared to a PHEV.

Do PHEVs need to be plugged in?

PHEVs are designed to be plugged in to charge their batteries, enabling them to run on electric power for distances of up to 50-60 miles —sufficient for most commutes and every day trips. While they can also run on petrol without being plugged in, charging regularly is recommended to maximise fuel efficiency and make the most of the electric driving capability.

Are PHEVs cheaper to run?

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can be more cost-effective to run than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. By using electric-only driving for shorter trips, PHEVs significantly reduce fuel consumption. Since electricity is often cheaper than petrol, this can lead to noticeable savings. However, the overall cost-effectiveness of a PHEV depends on factors like your driving habits, local electricity rates, and fuel prices. For many drivers, PHEVs offer a smart balance of performance, efficiency, and savings.

Does a PHEV charge while driving?

Yes, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can recharge its battery whilst you are driving using regenerative braking. This smart technology captures energy that is normally lost during braking and deceleration, converting it into energy for the battery. However, it’s important to note that regenerative braking alone won’t fully recharge the battery. To achieve a complete charge, PHEVs need to be plugged into a power source. This combination of on-the-go energy recovery and plug-in charging makes PHEVs both efficient and versatile.

Smooth Acceleration & Braking

HEVs excel in stop-start traffic thanks to their electric power capabilities. Gentle acceleration and braking enhance this by making the most of regenerative braking, recapturing energy to recharge the battery. This means less reliance on the petrol engine, further saving fuel.

Maintain Steady Speeds

Keeping a consistent pace reduces the need for frequent engine engagement, allowing the electric motor to power the vehicle more effectively. This steady approach is particularly beneficial in urban driving conditions, where HEVs shine compared to traditional ICE vehicles.

Many HEVs feature an Eco-driving mode, which optimises throttle response and energy usage for maximum fuel economy. This tailored mode ensures you’re making the most of the hybrid system’s capabilities, extending the electric assist and reducing fuel consumption.

Minimising the use of energy-draining features like air conditioning or heating conserves power for the electric motor. HEVs already reduce fuel consumption by using electric power for idling and low-speed situations, so limiting accessory use can further improve efficiency. By adopting these driving habits, you can unlock even more benefits from your HEV, saving fuel and reducing emissions compared to conventional petrol vehicles.

What is the difference between HEV and PHEV?

HEVs recharge their battery through regenerative braking and the engine, requiring no external charging. PHEVs, however, have larger batteries that can be plugged in and charged externally, allowing for extended electric-only driving ranges and greater overall efficiency.