Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles (Brochure)

Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles

Electric-drive vehicles use electricity as their primary fuel or to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs. These vehicles can be divided into three categories: • Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) • All-electric vehicles (EVs). All-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Photo by Andrew Hudgins, NREL 17416 Together, they have great potential to cut U.S. petroleum use and vehicle emissions. HEVs cannot be plugged in to charge teries can also be charged by the ICE the battery. Instead, the battery is and through regenerative braking. Hybrid Electric Vehicles charged through regenerative braking PHEVs have larger battery packs than HEVs are powered by an internal and by the ICE. Regenerative braking HEVs do, providing an all-electric driv- combustion engine (ICE) and by an allows HEVs to capture energy normally ing range of about 10 to 40-plus miles electric motor that uses energy stored lost during braking by using the electric for today’s light-duty models. So long in a battery. The extra power provided motor as a generator and storing that as the battery is charged, a PHEV can by the electric motor allows for a smaller captured energy in the battery. draw most of its power from electric- engine without sacrificing performance; ity stored in the battery during typical the battery also powers auxiliary loads urban driving. The ICE may power like audio systems and headlights and Plug-In Hybrid the vehicle when the battery is mostly can reduce engine idling when the Electric Vehicles depleted, during rapid acceleration, at vehicle is stopped. Some HEVs can PHEVs (sometimes called extended range high speeds, or when intensive heating drive short distances at low speeds on electric vehicles, or EREVs) use batter- or air conditioning is required. electrical power alone. All these capa- ies to power an electric motor and use bilities typically result in better fuel another fuel, such as gasoline, to power When running on battery power alone, economy and lower emissions than an ICE. PHEVs can be plugged into the PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions. comparable conventional vehicles. grid to charge their batteries; their bat- Even when the ICE is operating, PHEVs consume less gasoline and typically produce lower emissions than similar conventional vehicles do. A PHEV’s Electric-Drive Vehicles at a Glance gasoline consumption depends on the HEVs: HEVs are powered by an ICE and by an electric motor that distance traveled between charges. If the uses energy stored in a battery. The battery is charged through vehicle is never plugged in, its gasoline- regenerative braking and by the ICE. The vehicle cannot be only fuel economy will be about the plugged in to charge. same as that of a similarly sized HEV. If the vehicle is plugged in to charge PHEVs: PHEVs are powered by an ICE and by an electric motor and driven a shorter distance than its that uses energy stored in a battery. The battery can be charged all-electric range, it may be possible to by plugging into an electric power source, through regenerative use only electric power. braking, and by the ICE.

EVs: EVs are powered by an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source and through regenerative braking.

VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE cleancities.energy.gov VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE • May 2014 • Page 2

EVs, which are now widely available, must plug in to charge. Increasing numbers of fleets and consumers are turning to EVs to cut petroleum use, fuel costs, and emissions. Photo from City of Fort Collins, NREL 27238

All-Electric Vehicles Charging EV and EVs (also called battery-electric vehicles, PHEV Batteries Drivers of EVs and PHEVs have access or BEVs) use batteries to store the elec- Charging stations, also known as electric to thousands of charging stations across trical energy that powers one or more vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), pro- the country. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, motors. The batteries are charged by plug- vide electricity to charge the batteries of NREL 22658 ging the vehicle into the grid. EVs can also EVs and PHEVs. The EVSE communi- be charged in part through regenerative cates with the vehicle to ensure that braking. EVs do not have ICEs and, there- it supplies an appropriate and safe flow Hydrogen Fuel fore, do not produce tailpipe emissions. of electricity. However, there are “life cycle” emissions Cell Vehicles associated with the majority of electricity EVSE for plug-in vehicles is classified A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle combines production in the United States. according to the rate at which the bat- hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air teries are charged. Two types—AC Level to produce electricity, which drives an Today’s EVs typically have shorter driv- 1 and AC Level 2—provide alternating electric motor. Fuel cell vehicles pro- ing ranges per charge than conventional current (AC) to the vehicle, with the vehicles have per tank of gasoline. Most duce no harmful tailpipe emissions. vehicle’s onboard equipment (charger) Limited numbers of fuel cell cars are EVs have ranges of about 70 to 90 miles converting AC to the direct current currently leased to customers in select on a fully charged battery, although (DC) needed to charge the batteries. regions; some manufacturers are a few models have longer ranges. An The other type—DC fast charging— planning to introduce new models in EV’s range varies according to driving provides DC electricity directly to the the California market within the next conditions and driving habits. Extreme vehicle. DC fast charging is sometimes two years. ambient temperatures tend to reduce referred to as DC Level 2. range, because energy from the battery must power climate control systems in addition to powering the motor. Speed- ing, aggressive driving, and heavy loads can also reduce range.

Vehicle Availability Dozens of light-duty HEV, PHEV, and EV models are available from major auto manufacturers. A variety of medium- and heavy-duty options are also available. For up-to-date information on today’s models, use the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s (AFDC) Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Searches (afdc.energy.gov/tools) and the Find a Car tool on FuelEconomy.gov HEVs work well for both light-duty and heavy-duty applications, particularly those that (fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml). require frequent stops and starts. Photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 18142 VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE • May 2014 • Page 3

EVSE Options

Amperage Voltage Kilowatts Charging Time Primary Use 2 to 5 miles of range per Residential and AC Level 1 12 to 16 amps 120V 1.3 to 1.9 kW hour of charging workplace charging 10 to 20 miles of range Residential, workplace, AC Level 2 Up to 80 amps 208V or 240V Up to 19.2 kW per hour of charging and public charging 60 to 80 miles of range in DC Fast Charging Up to 200 amps 208 to 600V 50 to 150 kW Public charging less than 20 minutes

Charging times range from less than 20 The life cycle emissions of an EV or electric systems when they detect a col- minutes to 20 hours or more, based on PHEV depend on how that electricity lision or short circuit. For additional the type or level of EVSE; the type of is generated, and this varies by region. safety information, refer to the AFDC’s battery, its capacity, and how depleted In geographic areas that use relatively Maintenance and Safety of Hybrid it is; and the size of the vehicle’s internal low-polluting energy sources for elec- and Plug-In Electric Vehicles page charger. EVs generally have more battery tricity generation, PHEVs and EVs have (afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_ capacity than PHEVs, so charging a fully substantial life cycle emissions advan- maintenance.html). depleted EV takes longer than charging a tages over similar conventional vehicles fully depleted PHEV. running on gasoline or diesel. In regions that depend heavily on conventional fos- Maintenance Requirements Charging units can be installed in sil fuels for electricity generation, plug-in Because HEVs and PHEVs have ICEs, residential, fleet, workplace, and public vehicles may not demonstrate as strong their maintenance requirements are sim- settings. As of January 2014, there were a life cycle benefit. Even in these areas, ilar to those of conventional vehicles. nearly 20,000 charging outlets across the however, consumers may have the option The electrical system (battery, motor, country. To locate public charging sta- of purchasing renewable energy. and associated electronics) requires tions, use the Alternative Fueling Station minimal scheduled maintenance. Brake Locator (afdc.energy.gov/stations), also systems on these vehicles typically available as an iPhone app from the App Vehicle Safety last longer than those on conventional Store (QR code on page 4). HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs undergo the vehicles, because regenerative braking same rigorous safety testing as conven- reduces wear. tional vehicles sold in the United States Emissions Benefits and must meet Federal Motor Vehicle EVs typically require less maintenance HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs typically Safety Standards. Their battery packs than conventional vehicles or even produce lower levels of emissions than meet testing standards that subject bat- HEVs or PHEVs. Like their hybrid conventional vehicles do. HEV emissions teries to conditions such as overcharge, counterparts, their electrical systems benefits vary by vehicle model and type vibration, extreme temperatures, short require little to no regular maintenance of hybrid power system. EVs produce circuit, humidity, fire, collision, and and their brake systems benefit from zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs water immersion. Manufacturers design regenerative braking. In addition, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions when in vehicles with insulated high-voltage often have far fewer moving parts and electric-only mode. lines and safety features that deactivate fewer fluids to change.

Life cycle emissions of PHEVs and EVs depend on the source of electrical power used for charging. In regions that use high percentages of renewable energy to generate electricity, emissions benefits are substantial. Photos from iStock 13782143 (left); NYPA, NREL 26486 (right) VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE • May 2014 • Page 4

Fuel Costs HEV, PHEV, and EV owners can expect to save thousands of dollars in fuel costs, Fuel costs for HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs Download the relative to the average new vehicle. Alternative Fueling are generally lower than for similar con- Station Locator ventional vehicles. Electric drivetrains To find fuel economy ratings and fuel cost iPhone app from are about four times more efficient comparisons among currently available the App Store than internal combustion engines, and vehicle models, visit FuelEconomy.gov. ■ electricity prices are less volatile than gasoline and diesel fuel prices. HEVs and PHEVs typically use significantly less Learn More Find additional information on HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs on the gasoline/diesel than their conventional AFDC at afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric.html. counterparts. Over the life of the vehicle,

What are the Benefits of Electric Drive Vehicles? Benefits Hybrid Electric Vehicles Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles All-Electric Vehicles Fuel Better than similar Better than similar HEVs and Better than similar HEVs and Economy conventional vehicles conventional vehicles conventional vehicles The fuel savings of driving a Honda Most PHEVs achieve combined fuel Most EVs achieve fuel econo- Civic Hybrid versus a conventional economy ratings higher than 90 miles my ratings higher than 100 Civic is about 36% in the city and 11% per gasoline gallon equivalent*. miles per gasoline gallon on the highway. equivalent*.

Emissions Lower emissions than similar conven- Lower emissions than HEVs and Zero tailpipe emissions Reductions tional vehicles similar conventional vehicles EVs produce no tailpipe emis- HEV emissions vary by vehicle and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions sions. Life cycle emissions de- type of hybrid power system. HEVs when in electric-only mode. Life cycle pend on the sources of elec- are often used to offset fleet emissions emissions depend on the sources of tricity, which vary from region to meet local air quality improvement electricity, which vary from region to to region. Emissions reductions strategies and federal requirements. region. are substantial in most regions of the United States.

Fuel Cost Less expensive to run Less expensive to run than Less expensive to run than Savings than a conventional vehicle an HEV or conventional vehicle conventional vehicles HEV fuel cost savings vary by vehicle In electric-only mode, PHEV fuel costs EVs run on electricity only. model and type of hybrid power sys- can range from about $0.02 to $0.04 per Fuel costs for a typical EV tem. For many HEV models, annual mile. On gasoline only, fuel costs range range from $0.02 to $0.04 per fuel cost savings range from $400 to from about $0.05 to $0.10 per mile. For mile. $1,000, relative to their conventional conventional sedans, costs range from counterparts. about $0.10 to $0.15 per mile.

Fueling Can fuel at gas stations Can fuel at gas stations; can charge at Can charge at home, public Flexibility home, public charging stations, and charging stations, and some some workplaces workplaces

Sources: Alternative Fuels Data Center (afdc.energy.gov), FuelEconomy.gov * PHEVs and EVs are rated not in miles per gallon (mpg) but miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (mpge). Similar to mpg, mpge represents the number of miles the vehicle can travel using a quantity of fuel (such as electricity) with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.

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DOE/GO-102014-4350 • May 2014

Prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least (NREL), a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of 50% wastepaper, including 10% Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; post consumer waste. NREL is operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.