Hyundai and Mercedes step in for PHEVs

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

A plug-in hybrid is, theoretically, the best of both worlds. But it has to be used correctly.

Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have gone in to bat for plug-in hybrids in two separate interviews.

Critics of PHEVs say that while the vehicles tend to use smaller engines alongside batteries and electric motors for short bursts of zero-emissions driving, they’re heavier than normal combustion vehicles, and so consume more fuel when driving with the engine.

The Clean Car Discount scheme was unveiled by Transport Minister Michael Wood and Climate Change Minister James Shaw on June 13. (First published June 2021)

Many owners don’t keep the batteries charged either, meaning the engine is doing most of the work and creating more emissions.

However, Ola Kallenius, head of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, told Automotive News Europe that as the electric driving range of new-generation PHEVs increases, more owners will drive on electric power more of the time.

**READ MORE:

The new C-Class will come as a plug-in hybrid, offering up to 100km of electric range, plenty for most people’s daily running around.

* How far away are electric utes?

* EV rebate: the winners and losers

Hyundai offers a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

* Here's what NZ's favourite vehicles will cost under the EV rebate scheme

* Industry group claims Euro 7 regulations will 'ban' the combustion engine

* Not ready for an EV? There are low emission alternatives

“When it comes to plug-in hybrids, we are now on the third generation of those cars, but a lot of the talk about them is still based on data from the first generation where the batteries were smaller and the range was shorter,” he said.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class plug-in hybrids will be able to drive up to 100km under electric power, nearly twice the usual benchmark of 60km per charge. As well as faster charging when plugged in, the new systems can regenerate more power while driving.

“Along with technologically mastering this challenge, we are also looking to change people’s driving behaviour by encouraging them and working with them during this journey,” said Kallenius.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Europe CEO Michael Cole also defended plug-in hybrid vehicles, telling Automotive News Europe that the current range of PHEVs is enough “to cover the daily commute of most people in Europe.'

In New Zealand, the average daily commute is around 30km.

“I still think the technology offers a CO2 reduction in real terms, with a lot of customers using it to travel emissions-free a good share of the time under the right conditions.”

The European Union is looking to finalise regulations for the Euro 7 emissions standard, which could include collecting real-world emissions through new devices installed in cars. This is to keep carmakers honest with their fuel claims and what is found during development and testing.

On paper, plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds in terms of low/zero-emissions driving without the range anxiety of a full EV, but it all depends on if they are used correctly by the consumer. They also qualify for the recently announced Electric Car Scheme, though not to the same extent as fully electric vehicles.