What about hybrids and 'plug in' hybrids (PHEV's)

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Hybrids are electric cars that generate their own electricity from a petrol engine, while also storing energy in a small battery. This allows hybrid vehicles to drive short distances without running the engine, ultimately contributing to reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, plug-in hybrids enhance this concept by offering larger batteries that can be charged independently.

Lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are especially beneficial in stop/start driving, with the fuel consumption of petrol models now comparable to that of diesel engine models, but without the high emissions of unhealthy particulates such as PM2.5. Most hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, come standard with an 'Automatic Transmission', eliminating the need for gearchanges or hill starts.

The Toyota Prius is a more complex machine that features an engine paired with a motor/generator and an advanced battery system. Its reliability and lifespan are outstanding, showcasing that well-engineered hybrid vehicles perform admirably. However, there are some concerns regarding pollutants emitted when petrol engines operate at cold temperatures, which remain unregulated. Research indicates that hybrids may emit higher levels of harmful emissions compared to diesels, as highlighted in This is Money. While the overall reduction in CO2 emissions possible with a hybrid is relatively small, switching to plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars can lead to a significant decrease in CO2 emissions; in fact, one can expect to save three times as much CO2 by making the switch to an electric vehicle. For more detailed information, check out the following link: How much CO2 can electric cars really save? (transportenvironment.org)

MILD HYBRIDS (48 Volt Hybrids) are a specific class of hybrid vehicles that utilize a small battery and electric motor to assist the engine, resulting in improved efficiency and slightly lower CO2 emissions. Often referred to as 48V Hybrids, particularly by Hyundai, these cars serve as a transitional option between conventional vehicles and full hybrids. They are available with a manual gearchange, or 'stick shift' as known in the USA. While there was a belief that Mild Hybrids would significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions in transport, they are now seen as merely a 'stepping stone' towards achieving low carbon transport. Joe posits that this technology has been eclipsed by more efficient alternatives, such as plug-in hybrids, which offer even lower carbon footprints.

Plug-in hybrids incorporate a larger battery than traditional hybrid vehicles, allowing this battery to be charged using mains electricity from either a home or public charger. Once charged—whether from the petrol engine or the mains—plug-in hybrids can drive a distance of 15-50 miles without the engine, utilizing electric power. This capability not only enhances efficiency but also helps reduce CO2 emissions.

No 'Range Anxiety' car offers a substantial range and can be refueled at a petrol station in minutes, allowing for continuous driving. When the battery is charged from the mains instead of the petrol engine, the vehicle operates efficiently and produces low CO2 emissions while running on electric power for a range of 15-50 miles. If the vehicle is primarily used for short runs and charged solely with mains electricity, it remains efficient and maintains low emissions. For manufacturers and dealers, plug-in hybrids utilize the components and skills they have developed over decades of selling, manufacturing, and servicing petrol and diesel cars. Many service items and routine maintenance, such as oil changes, are still necessary, which helps maintain their current service staff and business model focused on hybrid vehicles.

The inefficiency of petrol engines is evident, as less than 40% of the energy consumed can be converted into electricity to power the car. In the UK, mains power generation is more efficient and results in lower CO2 emissions. Vehicles that combine features of petrol cars and electric cars create a heavy and complex machine, resulting in significant 'embedded' CO2. While the carbon footprint of hybrid vehicles is likely lower than that of similarly sized petrol cars, it remains approximately three times higher than that of an equivalent electric car. Calculations from 'Transport and Environment' illustrate the CO2 emissions of hybrid and plug-in hybrids in comparison to electric cars.

Operating only on mains electricity by limiting the range to what is possible on battery alone while recharging at home or public chargers could allow for efficiency and CO2 emissions close to that of electric cars. However, in reality, few owners of hybrid vehicles will operate plug-in hybrids this way. Will the 'trouble' of putting a car on charge seem worthwhile for a PHEV with a range of just 20-50 miles?

The official data published by manufacturers regarding their plug-in hybrids' fuel consumption, electric range, and CO2 emissions can be highly misleading. For a detailed analysis, see Joe's Blog here, which features links to various analyses of hybrid vehicles.

In regions where electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal—as seen in some states in America—hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrids can achieve CO2 emissions levels similar to those of electric cars. However, this is not the case in the UK and much of Europe.