The PHEV Debate Lives On - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica discusses the ongoing debate about the usefulness and environmental impact of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). One reader, Tom Dillon, criticizes PHEVs for often not meeting EPA efficiency ratings and points out that many owners do not plug them in, effectively using them as conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. This leads to higher-than-expected CO2 emissions, although PHEVs still generally emit less CO2 than traditional gas vehicles. Another reader, "Peace Man," defends PHEVs by sharing personal experience of driving a Chevrolet Volt mostly on electric power (around 90% of the time) and highlights the practicality of PHEVs in areas where charging infrastructure is limited. He also notes the seamless transition between electric and gas modes and laments the lack of PHEV technology applied to other vehicle types like small pickups or vans. The article emphasizes that the effectiveness of PHEVs depends heavily on user behavior—when used properly, they can