Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in hybrids—the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles—are emerging. Compared to standard hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer even greater fuel economy and diversity and fewer emissions.
Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery pack than a standard hybrid electric vehicle. This allows plug-in hybrids to operate predominantly on electricity for short trips. For longer trips, a plug-in hybrid draws liquid fuel from its onboard tank, which provides comparable driving range to a conventional vehicle. The vehicle's onboard computer chooses when to use which fuel most efficiently.
Unlike a battery used in a standard hybrid electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrid battery can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet at home or even at the workplace. And the electricity used to recharge its battery can be generated by a renewable energy source, such as solar, wind, or biomass. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can also draw from an alternative fuel in its onboard tank.
NREL's plug-in hybrid research falls under advanced vehicle systems.