Plug-in hybrid cars seem to be a great intermediate solution between gasoline and electric vehicles — a step on the way to a full transition to electric vehicles. They have a longer range than conventional hybrids, provide better performance in electric mode, and the ability to charge the battery from an external source allows owners to rarely use the internal combustion engine and save on travel.
However, consumers are in no hurry to buy plug-in hybrid cars. According to a study by J.D. Power, PHEV owners are less satisfied with their cars than those who own electric cars.
It is noted that the user experience of PHEV owners was less attractive compared to buyers of all-electric cars. The main reason for dissatisfaction is the limited electric range, which averages about 40 km. This is too little for many consumers in their daily car use.
Another factor is the high price of PHEVs, which makes them less attractive to buyers. For example, the average cost of a crossover with a plug-in hybrid powertrain is $48,700, while a conventional hybrid costs $3,77700 and an electric car costs $36,900 in the same category.
Many buyers are not sufficiently informed about the capabilities of PHEVs and their potential benefits, and often use them as conventional hybrids, ignoring the need for a charging connection.
Also, there is considerable skepticism about such cars in the United States: most consumers choose either conventional hybrids or all-electric cars. Despite the fact that PHEVs were conceived as a transitional option between gasoline cars and electric cars, their experience in use has failed to convince American buyers. Europeans are showing more interest in PHEVs: more than 7% of new cars registered in the EU this year have a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, this is significantly less than the 31.3% market share of conventional hybrids, and even less than diesel cars.
Source: insideevs
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