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Charging your PHEV at home
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offer the best of both worlds, combining an electric motor with a traditional internal combustion engine. This design provides increased flexibility, allowing drivers to enjoy electric-only driving for short trips while relying on petrol or diesel for longer journeys. If you’re considering or already own a PHEV, understanding PHEV charging at home is essential for getting the most out of your vehicle.
What is a plug-in hybrid car?
A PHEV is a type of hybrid car that includes a rechargeable battery alongside a combustion engine. Unlike traditional hybrids, PHEVs can be plugged in to charge their battery, offering a dedicated electric-only driving mode.
How does a plug-in hybrid car work?
Here’s how it works:
- The electric motor powers the car for short distances, typically up to 30-50 miles depending on the model. This is ideal for commutes or local trips.
- The internal combustion engine takes over when the battery is depleted or when extra power is needed, providing extended range and flexibility.
- Regenerative braking recovers energy during braking to recharge the battery slightly while driving, but this is not enough to fully recharge the battery.
How to charge a plug-in hybrid car at home
Charging a PHEV at home is convenient, cost-effective, and simple. Here’s what you need to know:
- Install a home charging point: While you can charge your PHEV using a standard three-pin plug, installing a dedicated home charging point, like our innovative zappi, is much faster and safer. Most PHEVs can fully charge in 2-4 hours with a Level 2 charger.
- Use the right cable: PHEVs come with a charging cable that connects to standard home sockets or wallboxes. Ensure the cable is compatible with your vehicle’s charging port.
- Schedule off-peak charging: Many energy providers offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours. With the myenergi app, you can easily schedule your zappi to charge overnight, ensuring you take advantage of these reduced rates.
- Keep the battery topped up: Unlike fully electric vehicles, PHEVs have smaller batteries, which means charging them regularly ensures you can maximise your electric-only range.
Benefits of charging a PHEV at home
- Ultimate convenience: Skip the hassle of public charging stations by charging your car while it’s parked at home. Whether overnight or during downtime, home charging ensures your PHEV is always ready to go.
- Significant cost savings: Charging at home is far more affordable than relying on petrol or diesel. For just a few pounds, you can fully charge your PHEV’s battery, drastically lowering your running costs.
- Environmental benefits: Home charging allows you to reduce your carbon footprint, especially when paired with renewable energy sources. Using tools like zappi, you can ensure your vehicle is powered by clean, green energy whenever possible.
- Enhanced energy control: With the myenergi app, you gain insights into your energy usage, helping you optimise charging times and track how much energy is coming from renewable sources. This control makes it easier to live more sustainably while saving money.
Common questions about PHEV charging
Got more questions about PHEVs? We’ve got answers. We’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions. For more information about EVs and charging, visit our EV Hub which is filled with guides for curious minds and pros alike.
PHEVs use regenerative braking to recover energy while driving, but this doesn’t fully recharge the battery. To maximise the electric range, you’ll need to plug in your vehicle regularly.
While it’s not mandatory to charge a PHEV, doing so unlocks the benefits of electric-only driving, including lower running costs and reduced emissions. Without charging, the car relies more on its combustion engine, reducing efficiency.
PHEVs can self-charge to a small extent using regenerative braking, but this is not a substitute for plugging in.
PHEV charging like a pro
Understanding PHEV charging at home is key to making the most of your vehicle. Regularly charging your PHEV allows you to enjoy the benefits of electric-only driving, saving money and reducing your environmental footprint. With our zappi charger and the myenergi app, the process is intuitive, efficient, and environmentally friendly. So, plug in, charge up, and enjoy the flexibility of your PHEV to the fullest.
