Is it necessary to charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
2 Answers
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) must continuously charge their batteries to ensure optimal performance. Prolonged failure to charge not only adversely affects the motor but also negates the functionality of the plug-in hybrid system. Below is extended information about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: 1. Characteristics: A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a new type of hybrid new energy vehicle. Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles that combine gasoline power with pure electric drive, PHEVs share the same driving principles and units as electric vehicles, with the sole difference being the inclusion of an engine. PHEVs bridge the gap between conventional hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles. For long-distance travel, they primarily use the internal combustion engine, while for short distances, they operate in pure electric mode. 2. System: PHEVs are equipped with two power drive systems: one is a traditional internal combustion engine that consumes fuel (gasoline or diesel) for propulsion, and the other is an electric drive system that uses power from the battery. Under certain conditions, both systems can work together to drive the vehicle.
I've been using a plug-in hybrid for three years, and this car can actually run without charging—just on gasoline. Last week, I went on a road trip with no place to charge and drove 500 kilometers purely on fuel without any issues. But I must remind you, if you rely solely on fuel without charging, the fuel consumption can be higher than a regular hybrid, since you're carrying around a large battery. Every night when I get home, I plug it into the charging station, and the next day I can commute 60-70 kilometers purely on electricity, costing just a few cents per kilometer. Keeping the battery at a low charge for long periods can accelerate aging—my neighbor didn’t charge for months and ended up spending over 30,000 yuan to replace the battery. So, charging isn’t mandatory, but it’s definitely more cost-effective if you do.