Can a Plug-in Hybrid Be Charged by the Engine?
2 Answers
The engine of a plug-in hybrid vehicle cannot directly charge the battery, as it may affect the battery's lifespan and performance. However, some energy recovery devices can charge the battery. Therefore, when the power battery is low, it must be charged externally. Advantages and disadvantages of plug-in hybrid vehicles: 1. Compared with non-plug-in hybrid vehicles: Plug-in hybrids have larger battery capacities, which can support longer driving ranges. If the vehicle is only used for short trips and has good charging conditions, a plug-in hybrid can operate without refueling, functioning like a pure electric vehicle and offering the same advantages. 2. Compared with pure electric vehicles: Plug-in hybrids have much smaller battery capacities. However, they are equipped with traditional fuel vehicle components such as an engine, transmission, drivetrain, fuel system, and fuel tank. Thus, when charging is unavailable, the vehicle can continue driving as long as there are gas stations, with the driving range not limited by charging conditions.
I've been driving a plug-in hybrid for almost 5 years, and I can clearly say that the engine can indeed charge the battery. Most plug-in hybrid models, like the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i that I drive, have a feature called 'forced charging mode'—just press a button, and the engine will run at high speed to convert excess energy into battery charge. This is especially useful on long trips when the battery is running low, eliminating the need to urgently find a charging station. However, driving in pure electric mode in the city is more cost-effective and fuel-efficient. While starting the engine to charge is convenient, it increases fuel consumption by 5-10%, so I recommend using it only in emergencies. Regular maintenance should check the engine's efficiency to avoid slow charging. Overall, it's a flexible design that has saved me a lot of hassle.
