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Is plug-in hybrid vehicle a green mode in daily use?

Author

Listed:
  • Qin, Shaomin
  • Fu, Qingyan
  • Zhu, Hong
  • Xiang, Sheng
  • Liu, Haobing

Abstract

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have been widely promoted as environmentally friendly alternatives in the transportation sector. However, their environmental benefits depend heavily on propulsion mode and charging behavior. This study provides a systematic empirical analysis of PHEV usage as a green mode, utilizing daily usage data from 500 PHEV users in Shanghai, China, over a three-month period, combined with real driving emissions (RDE) test data from two in-use PHEVs under different operating conditions and states of charge (SOC). The results show that, in charge-depleting (CD) mode, PHEVs exhibit notably lower emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to charge-sustaining (CS) mode. Infrequent charging leads to a significant increase in NOx, HC, and CO2 emissions. In the worst-case scenario, where users never charge their PHEVs, emissions rise by 62 % for NOx, 70 % for HC, and 46 % for CO2, respectively. These findings indicate a clear discrepancy between the perceived environmental benefits of PHEVs and their real-world emission performance, providing valuable insights for policy development aimed at promoting sustainable PHEV adoption and green urban mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Qin, Shaomin & Fu, Qingyan & Zhu, Hong & Xiang, Sheng & Liu, Haobing, 2026. "Is plug-in hybrid vehicle a green mode in daily use?," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:179:y:2026:i:c:s0967070x26000156
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2026.104005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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