Suggested Citation:
Hardman, Scott, Patrick Plötz, Gil Tal, Jonn Axsen, Patrick Jochem, Sten Karlsson, Nazir Refa, Frances Sprei, Brett D. Williams, Jake Whitehead, Bert Witkamp (2019) Exploring the Role of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Electrifying Passenger Transportation. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Research Report UCD-ITS-RR-19-01

Key Takeaways

1. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have an important role in the electrifi cation of passenger transportation. Long-range PHEVs not only are a transitional technology. They also are an enabling technology that can encourage more consumers to adopt electric vehicles.

2. The electric range of PHEVs has a signifi cant impact on electric vehicle miles traveled. PHEVs with electric range of at least 60km (37 miles (EPA Range)) have a similar ability to electrify travel as short-range battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

3. Assuming the goal of policymakers is to increase electric vehicle miles traveled, policy support should correspond directly to electric driving range of both PHEVs and BEVs. Short-range PHEVs should receive less policy support; long-range PHEVs and BEVs should receive more policy support.

4. Consumer research in several countries shows that mainstream consumers tend to be more attracted to PHEVs than to BEVs, however many consumers are unaware of how a PHEV diff ers from a BEV. Consumers and car dealerships need to be educated about PHEVs, their benefi ts, and the importance of charging the vehicles.

 Keywords: electric vehicles, policy, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles