How manufacturers encourage better use of plug-in hybrids

Too many plug-in hybrid car users… never charge their car. A lack of involvement in the use of these vehicles with complex technology, often simply due to lack of knowledge or financial incentive.

Indeed, many plug-in hybrid cars (or PHEVs) are company vehicles, chosen by purchasing managers for their tax advantages in the context of greening the vehicle fleet: exemption from TVS, depreciation, etc. They display official CO values₂ minimal, can drive entirely electric for 50 to 100 km depending on the model and yet benefit from a great autonomy in hybrid mode with their reserve of gasoline (or even diesel for certain models).

In short, the best of both worlds… provided you exploit both worlds. Because in hybrid mode, with their two engines and their large battery, these heavier and more complex vehicles consume more than classic hybrids with which they are often confused. Company fleet managers are racking their brains to find incentives to resort to recharging (limiting refueling for example) and certain manufacturers like BMW offer points for driving 100% electric, translated into free recharging. Thus, for 1 km traveled in ZFE (low emission zone), around 25 euros are credited to the top-up account via the MyBMW app.

A BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle automatically switches to electric when entering an “eDrive Zone”. ©BMW

GPS to the rescue

Even more than incentive, automation is an excellent way to optimize electric driving with these vehicles. This is the concept implemented by BMW with its eDrive Zones (electric driving zones) and Kia with Greenzone Drive Mode. This involves coupling GPS navigation with car energy management to anticipate driving in areas where electric driving makes the most sense – typically Low Emission Zones which are flourishing in large cities.

BMW has included this service in the updates of its navigation systems to adapt to areas of 138 European cities including 7 in France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, Lille, Toulouse and Bordeaux). When equipped PHEV vehicles enter such areas, they switch to electric mode automatically by the magic of geofencing, in other words, virtual barriers integrated into the on-board system. At Kia, these zones can be extended specifically to residential areas, the surroundings of schools or hospitals or... simply close to home for discreet starts or returns.

Ideal, provided that the battery is well recharged on a daily basis, a responsibility that always falls on the user, whether at home at night or in the office. With such aid, motivation could be strengthened.

BMW offers charging for the use of eDrive Zones. ©BMW