What was the first plug-in hybrid?
The first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which was introduced in 2012. This pioneering model combined the benefits of a traditional hybrid electric vehicle with the ability to recharge the battery from an external power source, allowing for extended all-electric driving range.
What is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a type of hybrid car that can be plugged into an electrical outlet to recharge its battery pack. This allows the vehicle to operate in all-electric mode for a certain distance before the gasoline engine kicks in to extend the range. PHEVs offer the benefits of both electric and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, providing greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to conventional hybrids or gas-powered cars.
The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, introduced in 2012, was the first mass-produced PHEV to hit the market. It was based on the popular Toyota Prius hybrid, but with a larger lithium-ion battery pack that could be recharged from a standard electrical outlet. This allowed the Prius Plug-In to travel up to 15 miles in all-electric mode before the gasoline engine would engage, significantly improving its overall fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Key Features of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid
- Larger 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, compared to 1.3 kWh in the standard Prius hybrid
- All-electric range of up to 15 miles before the gasoline engine activates
- Fuel economy of up to 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric mode
- Ability to recharge the battery pack from a standard 120V household outlet in about 3 hours
- Retained the same overall design and interior space as the standard Prius hybrid
The introduction of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid in 2012 marked a significant milestone in the development of electrified vehicles, paving the way for the widespread adoption of plug-in hybrid technology in the years to come.
What was the first ever Lexus plug-in hybrid?
2022 NX 450h+ AWD
Tap into visionary power and efficiency with the debut of the first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) from Lexus, the 2022 NX 450h+ AWD*. It's the most powerful and fastest NX ever, boasting an estimated 0-to-60 time of six seconds.
What model was Volkswagen's first plug-in hybrid?
Exploring Volkswagen's First Foray into Plug-In Hybrids: The Golf GTE. Volkswagen's initial venture into the plug-in hybrid sector came with the introduction of the Golf GTE.
When did Volvo start making plug-in hybrids?
The S60 Plug-in Hybrid
Debuting in 2000, the S60 has survived three generations with its luxurious interior and well-balanced ride. Its excellent plug-in hybrid had a sizeable 41-mile range before gasoline.
When did the first plug-in hybrid come out?
December 2008
The BYD F3DM was the world's first mass produced plug-in hybrid passenger car, launched in China for fleet sales in December 2008. The Chevrolet Volt family is the world's all-time top selling plug-in hybrid electric car. Global sales passed the 100,000 unit milestone in October 2015.
Why are plug in hybrids not popular?
Many of these cars don't even have enough range to get the average American to work and back without recharging, and even if you can plug in these low-range PHEVs at work, plenty of Americans will still not be able to do a full home-work-home commute.
What was the first plug-in hybrid Toyota?
After the conclusion of the demonstration program, the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid was unveiled at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Toyota ultimately only did a small production run of this first-generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid between January 2012 and October 2016.
What was BMW first plug-in hybrid?
BMW i8
The BMW i8 is the first production sports car with plug-in hybrid drive. At the International Motor Show in 2009, for the first time a consistently sustainable approach is united with outstanding driving characteristics in a single concept, combined with a futuristic and assertive design.
How many years does a plug-in hybrid last?
But how long do hybrids last, really? Many manufacturers expect their hybrid vehicle high-voltage battery packs to last somewhere between 8 years or 100,000 miles. If you think that sounds like a broad span, you're absolutely right.
What is the downside of a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrids offer a unique blend of electric and gasoline driving that provides flexibility and the potential for reduced emissions and fuel costs. However, they also come with higher upfront costs, increased complexity, and limited electric range, among other drawbacks.
Are plug-in hybrids becoming obsolete?
If you look at the annual growth rate of PHEV sales over the last five years, they've been growing slightly faster than fully-electric cars, and much faster than petrol ones (which are actually shrinking). So plug-in hybrids are not out-of-the-race.
