Environment & Energy

When the battery has some charge in it, then it's just like an EV as far as efficiency, maybe even better since it isn't lugging around as large a battery pack as an EV. A fully charged battery will power the car in fully electric mode for 40 miles (Chevy Volt). I didn't check the date of the article, but I think 50-60 miles is more common now-a-days for how long the battery lasts.

When I wrote my epistle, I was thinking that when the battery is exhausted, it was just like a conventional ICE car, or a little worse because of the weight of the battery pack requires some extra energy to lug.

Now I'm thinking that when the battery is exhausted, it becomes like a conventional hybrid car. I don't know why it wouldn't be designed that way. i.e. a PHEV is essentially a conventional hybrid with a larger battery pack and a cord and plug.

On complexity to understand - it's probably not hard, I just haven't found a good source. I don't think the people who wrote those articles that I excerpted at length really understood what they were writing about, so we've got this muddled garbage because I don't either.

On complexity to operate -- I think the only difference compared to a conventional hybrid or an ICE car is to remember for the best economy and least carbon emissions, is to plug in once one gets home (or has a couple or more hours of stationary time somewhere and a place to plug it in for a partial refresh). And that's it (I'm sure one won't forget to unplug before driving off, with the big cord there and all that, and I understand that some-or-most models won't let you start or move if its plugged in. And remembering to plug in - I would guess the dashboard would make one very well aware of the battery.

It seems to me it would be just one of the small adaptations one makes for environmental reasons. When I get done with a can of something, I remember to rinse the can and throw it into the recycle container in my kitchen rather than into the general trash basket. Back before recycling, I'd throw everything in the one trash basket.

Anyway, when the battery is exhausted, then I think it's just like a conventional hybrid (but a little heavier with the bigger battery pack so would be a little less mpg than a conventional hybrid).

I was hoping someone who really understands PHEVs would respond by now, but oh well.

Myself, I can very easily afford a car, but have made do without for more than 5 years. This in the middle of Golden Valley where transit is sparse, but I make do with what transit there is, and its only a dollar round trip (for age 65+ or age 6-12 or Medicare card holders, or someone who quailifies for low income assistance) if one starts their trip between 9 am and 3 pm and starts their return trip within 2 1/2 hours. Or $2 round trip if one doesn't return within 2 1/2 hours, as long as both legs are started within the 9a-3p time period. Otherwise $2 or $2.50 per leg in the worst case.

Details: https://www.metrotransit.org/fares

That page doesn't seem to cover the transit assistance program (TAP) (later: it does with a pull down at near the bottom of the page), so here's the link to that. Essentially they pay $1 even during rush hours.
https://www.metrotransit.org/tap-riders

And walking is good exercise which I very much need. My last car repair experiences weren't good, so I'm glad I don't have that hassle.