What is a PHEV vehicle?

A PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. This type of EV has both an electric battery (lithium) and petrol (typically) or diesel powered ICE (internal combustion engine). A plug-in hybrid can be powered from either source. The battery range in a PHEV is typically limited to 30-35miles dependent upon the manufacturer and the petrol engine is used for longer journeys, acceleration and higher speeds than the electric motor can sustain. A PHEV can also include a self-charging mode whereby the petrol engine is used to charge the battery during journeys but to achieve the high range 100 plus miles per gallon (MPG) typically claimed for PHEV, the vehicle should be charged daily through a home or workpoint charger.