Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are often touted as the ideal solution for eco-conscious drivers who need both electric efficiency for daily commutes and the reassurance of a gasoline engine for longer trips. But how do they actually perform on extended journeys? This article delves into a real-world experience of a 590-mile round trip in a PHEV, exploring its capabilities and limitations on a diverse route from Essex to the Yorkshire Dales and back.
PHEV Performance on Motorway Miles
The journey commenced with a significant motorway stretch, approximately 200 miles, driven at a steady 70 mph using radar cruise control. Despite being in ‘Normal’ driving mode, the PHEV consistently prioritized electric vehicle (EV) mode. The vehicle seamlessly operated on electric power alone, demonstrating that even at motorway speeds, the electric motor remained engaged as long as sufficient battery charge was available. It was observed that the gasoline engine only intervened when the EV battery neared depletion or when increased acceleration or speed demanded additional power. This intelligent system ensured maximum utilization of the electric range, contributing to potential fuel savings on the initial leg of the journey.
Tackling the Terrain: Yorkshire Dales and EV Range
Upon entering the Yorkshire Dales, the driving environment shifted dramatically. Steep inclines, descents, and congested urban areas like Harrogate presented a more challenging test for the PHEV. Notably, a particularly long and steep ascent led to the complete exhaustion of the EV battery, indicated by a ‘ – – – ‘ reading for the EV range. Subsequently, a “MI-Drive Inoperative” message appeared, requiring the driver to engage the Recharge function to add just one mile of EV range. This experience highlighted a key consideration for PHEV owners: while the electric motor is potent, demanding terrains can deplete the battery more rapidly than anticipated. The driver’s initial apprehension about completely depleting the EV battery is understandable, prompting a precautionary recharge to 17 miles of EV range before reverting to standard EV operation.
The Reality of Public Charging on a Road Trip
Prior to departure, the PHEV was fully charged to 100% EV capacity. During the five-day trip, two brief one-hour stops at public chargers in Yorkshire added a total of 9.6 kW of charge. However, the quest for public charging stations proved to be less than ideal. The detours required to locate suitable chargers somewhat diminished the intended benefit of electric driving. Furthermore, the chargers encountered were often expensive, typically found at pubs, making frequent top-ups economically questionable. A particularly frustrating incident involved a free 7 kW Type 2 charger at a National Trust property being occupied for an extended five-hour period by a Mercedes EQC, even though faster, vacant chargers incompatible with the PHEV were available. This anecdotal evidence suggests that while public charging infrastructure is expanding, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and user etiquette can still pose challenges for PHEV drivers on longer journeys.
Normal Mode and the Recharge Button Strategy
Given the charging complexities, the majority of the journey was undertaken in ‘Normal’ mode, allowing the PHEV’s intelligent system to manage the interplay between the electric motor and gasoline engine. A strategy of allowing the EV range to deplete to approximately 2 miles, then engaging the ‘Recharge’ button to replenish it to around 11 miles, and subsequently disengaging Recharge to maximize EV driving, was employed. This approach aimed to balance electric driving with on-the-go battery regeneration. While the effectiveness of the ‘Recharge’ function in significantly boosting overall MPG over long distances remains uncertain, it’s plausible that it could offer more tangible benefits on shorter, more localized trips. It was observed that using ‘Recharge’ momentarily decreased journey MPG, but this stabilized and improved once back in EV mode.
Fuel Economy and PHEV Suitability for Long Distance
Over the 590-mile journey, the PHEV achieved an average fuel economy of 37 MPG and an energy consumption of 2.2 km/kW. Considering the vehicle’s weight, the substantial distance primarily covered using gasoline, and the demanding terrain encountered in the Yorkshire Dales, these figures are commendable. This real-world test reinforces the established understanding that PHEVs excel in shorter commutes within their EV range. However, this long-distance excursion demonstrates that PHEVs are also capable and comfortable companions for extended journeys, even if the electric component is utilized differently compared to typical daily driving. Despite minor inconveniences with public charging, the PHEV delivered a satisfactory and glitch-free driving experience, proving its versatility beyond urban environments. For drivers seeking a balance between electric driving and long-range capability, a PHEV remains a compelling option.
