What Path are PHEVs Taking in Europe?

Abstract

PHEVs combine today' s hybrid automotive technology with large battery systems that can be recharged from the electrical grid. With their substantial batteries, PHEVs can drive short distances before needing to draw upon their gasoline engines and can therefore achieve significantly greater kilometers per liter. This report examines how automakers, battery developers, utilities, and policy makers are approaching the possibilities of PHEVs as well as the technical challenges that must be overcome to achieve widespread commercialization.

"PHEVs have great potential in the future evolution of intelligent grids. They can offer utilities benefits in terms of increased off-peak power sales and the potential to tap the energy stored in PHEV batteries for ancillary services or demand response," said Roberta Bigliani, research director, Energy Insights EMEA. "Their significant market penetration likely remains 10 years away. Nevertheless, utilities and carmakers should speed-up pilots and begin to rethink the grid and the requirements for handling distributed sources and two-way power flows."