Never before in the history of the automobile has there been such a wide choice of powertrains. Whether petrol, diesel, fully electric or plug-in hybrid – at the BMW Group, it’s entirely up to the customer. Depending on requirements and preferences, they get to choose exactly the powertrain they need. More often than not, the public debate has focused on combustion versus fully electric powertrains. But the still-new plug-in hybrid option is increasingly coming under the spotlight. Discussions are contentious, with arguments ranging from “the perfect combination of combustion-powered and electric drive” to “false promises on fuel consumption” and “misguided government subsidies”. Time to take a closer look at the concept of the plug-in hybrid.
A hybrid vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine coupled with an electric drive. A distinction is made between two types: hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). In HEVs, the battery is charged by the engine power and brake energy. In PHEVS, it is charged primarily by plugging the vehicle in at a charging point. A PHEV can therefore cover quite long distances in electric mode.
Sustainable and flexible
PHEVs offer the best of both worlds: combustion power and all-electric. They are ideal for drivers who need the greatest possible variability, with an electric drive for sustainable day-to-day use when commuting to the office, for example, coupled with combustion power for maximum range and flexibility across long distances, such as weekend trips with the family.
PHEVs are particularly advantageous for the millions of commuters who drive the EU average of about 25 kilometres a day for their commute, provided the vehicle can be charged at home and/or at work. For many users, they already offer superior fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, and are ideal for households that often drive short distances and only occasionally cover longer ones.
