From Transition to Transformation: A Comparative Engineering Study of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Keywords:
Electric vehicles, Hybrid vehicles, Energy efficiency, Charging behavior, Battery degradation, Real-world usageAbstract
This study compares hybrid (HEV/PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) vehicles using measured data. We aggregate chassis dynamometer tests of EVs and HEVs, large-scale field charging/usage records, and controlled battery aging experiments. Using statistical comparisons (e.g. median differences, regressions, nonparametric tests), we analyze energy use (Wh/mi, mpg), real-world PHEV electric-drive shares, charging-session delays, and battery capacity fade. Key findings include that EVs consume far less energy per mile than HEVs on test cycles, even after normalizing for mass. Real PHEV drivers use electric mode only ~40-50% of miles on average, well below EPA utility-factor assumptions. Charging sessions are dominated by handshaking overhead (e.g. cable checks ~7 s median). Battery aging data show capacity loss accelerates at high temperature and current, implying the need for robust thermal management. Our results inform powertrain design (e.g. maximize regenerative braking, right-size motors/batteries) and policy (e.g. set realistic PHEV credits, improve charging infrastructure reliability).
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