Modeling the prospects of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to reduce CO sub(2 emissions)

This study models the CO sub(2 emissions from electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and compares the results to published values for the CO) sub(2) emissions from conventional vehicles based on internal combustion engines (ICE). PHEVs require fewer batteries than EVs which can make them lighter and more efficient than EVs. PHEVs can also operate their onboard ICEs more efficiently than can conventional vehicles. From this, it was theorized that PHEVs may be able to emit less CO sub(2 than both conventional vehicles and EVs given certain power generation mixes of varying CO) sub(2) intensities. Amongst the results it was shown that with a highly CO sub(2 intensive power generation mix, such as in China, PHEVs had the potential to be responsible for fewer tank to wheel CO) sub(2) emissions over their entire range than both a similar electric and conventional vehicle. The results also showed that unless highly CO sub(2 intensive countries pursue a major decarbonization of their power generation, they will not be able to fully take advantage of the ability of EVs and PHEVs to reduce the CO) sub(2) emissions from automotive transport.