FYI: A significant number of plug-in hybrid fleet vehicles remain largely uncharged, undermining their environmental and economic benefits.
Fleet Operators of Plug-In Hybrids Are Failing to Charge Their Vehicles
A recent study conducted by telematics and fleet management firm Geotab reveals a concerning trend among fleet operators using plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Despite the potential for cost savings and improved fuel efficiency, many of these fleets are not regularly charging their vehicles. This oversight is not just a missed opportunity; it’s counterproductive, as uncharged PHEVs can generate more pollution than conventional gas cars or even parallel hybrids.
The Promise of PHEVs versus Reality
Plug-in hybrids hold the promise of offering the best of both worlds. They can drive purely on electricity for about 30-50 miles, depending on the model, making for a serene and emission-free ride. When the battery depletes, the gasoline engine kicks in effortlessly, providing range without the usual range anxiety associated with fully electric vehicles (EVs). However, this promise falls short if the vehicles aren’t charged regularly.
Automakers and industry experts alike have noted this issue, yet data surrounding PHEV charging habits remains sparse and largely undisclosed. This lack of charging effectively undermines the technology, leading to higher emissions.
The Geotab Study and Its Findings
Geotab’s investigation analyzed 1,776 commercially-used PHEVs across North America. The results were eye-opening: fleet operators depend on gasoline for 86% of their total energy requirements. These PHEVs delivered an average fuel efficiency of 1.6 gallons per 62 miles (approximately 37 miles per gallon), only slightly better than the average gas vehicle, which uses 1.8 gallons for the same distance (about 33.1 mpg).
A Shift Towards EVs
Many fleet operators are responding to this inefficiency by switching to fully electric models. Amazon has deployed over 15,000 Rivian-made Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs), FedEx has rolled out BrightDrop Zevo EDVs made by GM, and PepsiCo uses the Tesla Semi in California. Additionally, several local governments in the U.S. and Canada have adopted PHEVs, including Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans and New York City’s Department of Sanitation.
The Real-World vs. Laboratory Emissions
Other studies corroborate Geotab’s findings. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action earlier this year showed that PHEVs’ real-world CO2 emissions were 3.5 times greater than their WLTP test results indicated. For PHEVs registered in 2021, while the WLTP results showed emissions of only 39.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer, in reality, they emit 139.5 grams per kilometer.
Similarly, the International Council on Clean Transportation found that U.S. PHEVs’ real-world fuel consumption could be 42-67% higher than the EPA’s estimates, undermining the supposed benefits of these vehicles.
The Right Way to Use PHEVs
When used correctly, PHEVs can indeed deliver remarkable efficiency. A case in point is the Lexus RX450h+, which, when driven properly with a fully charged battery, achieved 71 mpg over a week of mixed driving conditions, utilizing its gas engine sparingly.
Geotab’s study found that the top quartile of fleet PHEVs, where drivers charged them regularly, were 50% more fuel-efficient than their gas counterparts.
Practical Recommendations for Fleet Managers
To leverage the benefits of PHEVs, fleet managers need robust strategies:
- Deploy monitoring tools to track charging habits and energy use.
- Encourage regular charging of vehicles.
- Improve access to charging infrastructure.
Conclusion: Go Fully Electric?
For fleet operators committed to cutting emissions, transitioning to fully electric vehicles might be the best option. Fully electric models eliminate the need for regular charging reminders, as they must be charged to operate. Given that the average daily driving distance for delivery vans in the U.S. is just 68 miles—well within the range of most modern electric vans—going fully electric seems a practical and impactful step.
The challenge of PHEVs underscores the importance of behavioral change and infrastructure development. Whether educating drivers or making the leap to full electrification, fleet operators have the tools to make a positive impact on emissions.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
