Hybrid (HEV) or mild Hybrid (PHEV)

Question: What is the distinction between a plug-in hybrid vehicle and a conventional hybrid?

To answer this question we first need to understand what is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).  

A (HEV) is a vehicle that combines the use of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric propulsion system. 

Advantage of a Hybrid Vehicle (HEV): With the integration of the electric powertrain the driver should get better fuel economy and performance from his (HEV) when compared to the conventional (ICE) vehicle.   

Environment & Air Pollution: A (HEV) can reduce harmful emissions by as much as 90% and they will cut the emission of global warming gasses by at least a third to half.

Knowing that all hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of an (ICE) system and an electric motor, we can now clearly define a mild hybrid vehicle as a vehicle that uses an electric motor to support the (ICE) engine but only during acceleration and cruising, the electric motor cannot independently power the vehicle.

Hybrid facts: Toyota has sold more than 15 million hybrid electric vehicles worldwide since the Prius was first launched in 1997. ​The most popular selling (HEV) is the Toyota Prius.

​Hybrid distinctions
 
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
 

• (ICE) engine is the main power source
• An electric motor is used to support the (ICE) engine
• Electricity is generated on board

 
 
Plug – in Hybrid (PHEV)
 

• Battery powered electric motor is the main power source
• The engine is used to complement the electric motor and help extend the range.
• Electricity is supplied from the grid
• Bigger energy savings than the (HEV)