Currently, many people are turning to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) due to concerns about the range and refueling issues of pure electric vehicles. So, which is better, a PHEV or a REEV? This article will briefly introduce which is better, and what the advantages of each are.
1. Plug-in hybrid vehicles have better fuel economy.
With the rapid development of hybrid vehicle technology, most plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can now achieve a daily fuel consumption of 4-5 liters per 100 kilometers. Even when the battery is depleted, the fuel consumption is not unacceptably high. In contrast, range-extended hybrid electric vehicles (REEVs) are less fuel-efficient than PHEVs, both when the battery is charged and depleted. If driving on the highway with a depleted battery, the fuel consumption can be significantly higher than that of a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
2. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are cheaper.
Currently, the entry-level price for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is only around 110,000 yuan, and their price range is mainly concentrated between 150,000 and 300,000 yuan. In contrast, the entry-level price for range-extended hybrid electric vehicles is 170,000 yuan, and their price range is mostly concentrated above 300,000 yuan. Compared with the two, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are more affordable.
3. Extended-range electric vehicles have a longer pure electric range.
Most plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have a pure electric range of around 100 kilometers, while range-extended hybrid electric vehicles have an average pure electric range of over 150 kilometers. Provided that charging facilities are available and usage is concentrated in urban areas, the operating costs of range-extended hybrid electric vehicles can even be lower than those of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
4. The driving experience of the range-extended vehicle is smoother.
Regardless of road or operating conditions, range-extended electric vehicles are driven by an electric motor, providing a driving experience closer to that of a pure electric vehicle—very smooth and linear. While plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can also achieve a smooth driving experience thanks to their electric motor and E-CVT transmission, this smoothness is affected when the engine starts and kicks in or when the battery is low on charge.
Summarize
The advantages of range-extended hybrid electric vehicles (REEVs) are long pure electric range and smooth driving experience. Under certain conditions, their operating costs can be lower than those of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The disadvantages are that they are expensive and their fuel economy is not as good as that of PHEVs in most driving scenarios.
The advantages of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are their affordable price and good fuel economy. The disadvantages are their shorter pure electric range and slight jerkiness and abruptness when the engine kicks in or when the battery is depleted. You can choose based on the advantages and disadvantages of both and your own circumstances.
