Considered as a transition to all-electric, plug-in hybrid cars might see their development stopped. Should we keep rechargeable hybrids by taking the advantages of thermal and electric or on the contrary switch to 100% electric and go further, faster?
For several years, the plug-in hybrids (PHEV) met with some success, althoughit remains lower compared to other types of motorization. One of the reasons for this success is the tax benefits relating to the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, in particular for individuals with the ecological bonusbut also for professionals and companies with the absence of TVS and malus.
The plug-in hybrid is not as ecological as we think
However, according to a recent study, plug-in hybrid vehicles consume up to five times more fuel than manufacturers claim for the certification process. This is the case for cars used by professionals who will do a lot of kilometers without having the possibility of recharging their vehicle. It is because of the weight of the battery which means that in thermal use, consumption is increased compared to the same 100% thermal version.
According to the NGO Transport & Environment, Europe would like to review the approval process to reflect reality more closely. This should change the consumption figures, far from the 2 litres/100 km that we regularly see. On the other hand, limiting the CO2 released into the atmosphere is essential to continue to inhabit a habitable planet. It is moreover to respect the objectives that it has set itself that the European Commission wants to ban the sale of new thermal vehicles in 2035.
Besides, the government has abolished the ecological bonus of 6,000 euros for the purchase of certain plug-in hybrid vehicles this July 1. From now on, it is only accessible for the purchase of a vehicle emitting 0 g/km of CO2, therefore only for electric cars. An ecological bonus still exists for plug-in hybrids, but it is no longer ” what » of 1,000 euros.
Are electric cars the solution?
If thermal and hybrid vehicles are not a solution, the only one that remains is a priori the electric one. Pour Gill Pratt, responsable du Toyota Research Institute, the electric car can be a solution, but it is not the only one. This requires the installation of infrastructure for charging, which not all economies on the planet can afford. Also, other solutions are in experimental phases, such as hydrogen vehicles or solar vehicles, but without any marketable versions in the short term and which raise other issues.
In fact, the very manufacture of vehicles, whether electric or not, produces huge quantities of CO2, which is difficult to ” compensate for », regardless of the energy used. Furthermore, we are currently in a period of shortage of electronic components and raw materialsespecially those used to make the famous batteries.
The best solution, it is still to avoid buying a car or to take it, it is necessary to aim more at independence vis-à-vis the automobile. We can prioritize other means of transportation to reduce the number of cars in circulation (carpooling, electric scootersbikes (VAE or not), train, etc.).
The end of rechargeable hybrids for 100% electric?
What we wonder then is where to place the cursor between moving towards all-electric and the aid given to rechargeable hybrids. The latter make it possible not to depend on charging stations for electric cars and may be more suitable for certain minority uses. But electric cars are changing fast, with ever-increasing ranges and ever-shorter charging times.
On the other hand, electric cars are more environmentally friendly over their life cycle, since the surplus energy spent during the production of their battery is quickly profitable compared to thermal cars. What is your opinion on that? Tell us in the poll of the week.
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Should we abandon plug-in hybrid cars now?
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Like every week, do not hesitate to argue your answer in the comments. This article will be updated next weekend with the results of the survey and the most relevant comments.
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