Plug-in hybrid cars continue to be presented as a solution to decarbonise mobility and combat climate change.
This type of vehicle has also contributed to increasing the percentage of electrified vehicles in the park.
This is evident from figures from Anfac Sales of electrified vehicles (electric and plug-in hybrids, including passenger cars, four-wheelers, commercial and industrial vehicles and buses) started the year up 49.4% to 8,076 units in Spain. Of this “electrified” total, plug-in hybrid vehicles grew 28.1% in January, reaching 4,121 units registered this month. It represents 5.39% of the market share for the month.
However,
the tests developed with the latest generation PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) indicate that they pollute much more during urban and interurban driving than what the brands claim, according to the environmental association Transport & Milieu.
A report done in partnership with Ecodes sees plug-in hybrid vehicles “polluting more than what the brands claim”, which is why it has urged governments to stop subsidizing plug-in hybrids and levy a tax on them depending on the actual contamination.
T&E entrusted the development of the tests to the
Technical University of Graz in Austriawith three recent plug-in hybrid models, and the results suggest that all models emit more carbon dioxide (CO2) than advertised during road testing.
“Plug-in hybrids are sold as a solution to reduce emissions, but field tests show that this is not the case. In urban traffic tests, only one of the PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) has the advertised electric range, while all three emit more than claimed on interurban journeys,” assured Cristian Quílez, transport and mobility manager at Ecodes.
“We are facing another test.
which has a direct impact on low-carbon policies of transport and mobility in the city, such as low-emission zones or labels for DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) vehicles that are not allowed to treat PHEVs and BEVs (pure electric) in the same way«, added. Likewise, the organization believes that the ultimate goal should be to encourage the purchase or use of vehicles that “really” emit no CO2.
“Governments should stop subsidizing the purchase of plug-in hybrid vehicles in fleets and instead encourage companies to use battery electric vehicles,” said Oscar Polished, T&E’s electric fleet expert.
To delete
the best performance for consumption, it is important to perform a conscious and intelligent charging of the plug-in hybrid. To do this, we can follow several recommendations.
First, charge the battery of your plug-in hybrid as often as possible. This can be done at home with a normal 220V connection or at public charging points.
It uses the smart software to regenerate as much energy as possible. By simply releasing the accelerator pedal and letting the vehicle roll before applying the brake, you can take full advantage of the regeneration. The energy released during braking is converted into electricity, which charges the battery. Try to avoid bringing the car to a complete stop as restarting a car takes a lot of energy.
In addition, many people who drive plug-in hybrids do not realize that they can make their journeys, even a significant portion of their long journeys,
only in 100% electric mode. For example, you can optimize the battery capacity in traffic jams or slow down on long journeys, or where there are works. If you are aware of this, you can also drive exclusively on the electric battery on long journeys. It is also helpful to proactively deal with large sources of energy consumption. For example, air conditioning and heating. If the interior of the vehicle is up to temperature before the journey, you save a lot of energy.
Finally, make the most of smart functions: there are plug-in hybrids that have an economical driving mode
helps to drive more economically possible and makes power consumption clearly visible. And don’t forget the adaptive cruise control, which guarantees a constant speed and reduces consumption.
Source: La Verdad
I am Mary Fitzgerald, a professional journalist and author of the Today Times Live. My specialty is in writing and reporting on technology-related topics. I have spent the last seven years extensively researching and understanding the field of technology so I can properly inform my readers about developments in this ever-evolving world.
