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PHEV cars are hybrid cars composed of two engines, one combustion and the other electric, but which have the differential of being able to be connected to an electrical outlet to charge the battery.
Hybrid cars are no longer trends of the future, they are already part of our present. Big Japanese names like Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan manufacture their versions and models with these technologies.
There are goals to further increase Japan's hybrid and electric car fleet. Therefore, there is a strong investment in charger points spread across the country. In that sense, here's what you need to know about PHEV vehicles.
Toyota's Prius PHEV
First, it is worth bringing the difference between electric and hybrid vehicles. In electric vehicles there is only the electric motor, powered by a battery. Hybrid cars are made up of two engines, one combustion and the other electric.
Therefore, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have both engines. The battery, which powers the electric motor, is charged from an external source. However, for the combustion engine, it is necessary to supply with fossil fuel such as gasoline or diesel. In addition, the PHEV car can charge its battery not only through external charging equipment, but also through regenerative braking.
The use of electrical energy to charge the battery reduces the use of fuel compared to traditional automobiles. PHEV vehicles also produce lower emission levels depending on how often they are operated in 100% electric mode.
Despite PHEV vehicles having a higher value to the end consumer, some of these costs recoup. Not to mention the fact that it is a conscious purchase aligned with the preservation of the environment.
Toyota has a strong presence in the hybrid car market. However, Mitsubishi is not far behind, as sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles are growing more and more.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander guarantees zero CO2 emissions. Its autonomy is 600km in hybrid mode. Already in electric mode, its range is 57 km. The big difference is that you can connect the car to a domestic outlet to recharge the battery. For its constant technological evolution, Outlander has already received several awards.
Finally, the Toyota Prius is one of the most economical cars you can find. About its performance: in ECO mode, the hybrid engineering is very efficient. Since it reaches an autonomy of 813km in the city and 713km on the road. And in electric mode, autonomy reaches 68 km.
The biggest advantage of using a PHEV car is, without a doubt, the low fossil fuel consumption. However, this is not the only positive point, as hybrid vehicles also reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, they improve the car's own resources and also promote a lower consumption of parts.
On the other hand, the disadvantages are: the high purchase price and in some cases, a lower range compared to conventional cars. Not to mention that maintenance, although rare, when it occurs, can be costly.
Daniela is passionate about traveling, discovering new places and cultures and is the editor of the website O Mapa da Viagem.
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