Zero E-Michigan

Ep 38 - Do Truck and Car Plug In Hybrids Make Sense?

November 15, 2023 Karl Bloss Season 1 Episode 38
Zero E-Michigan
Ep 38 - Do Truck and Car Plug In Hybrids Make Sense?
Show Notes Chapter Markers

The Dodge RAM and Ford Ranger pickup trucks have recently been announced coming out as plug-in hybrids (PHEV) versions.  Larry and I talk about PHEV use cases to see what makes sense.  There are also quite a few used PHEVs on the market. 

If you're considering a plug-in vehicle, this might be a good way to get into EVs without the range anxiety or needing to find public charging on a road trip.

Show Notes and Links

- How does a plug-in hybrid work? https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-plug-in-hybrid-electric-cars-work
- Plug-In America Vehicle Guide - https://pluginamerica.org/learn/guide/
- Which plug-in vehicles qualify for the federal tax credit?  https://electrek.co/2023/11/07/which-electric-vehicles-still-qualify-for-us-federal-tax-credit/
- CleanTechnica: “The PHEV Era Needs to End, Now” - https://cleantechnica.com/2020/06/10/the-phev-era-needs-to-end-now/
- RAM PHEV
   - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/07/new-ram-pickup-ev-has-gas-powered-electric-generator.html
   - https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1141355_2025-ram-1500-ramcharger-plug-in-hybrid-pickup-ev-range
   - Why a V6? https://insideevs.com/news/695698/2025-ram-ramcharger-v6/
- Ford Ranger PHEV - https://www.drivingline.com/articles/ford-introduces-ranger-plug-in-hybrid-is-this-a-game-changing-alternative-to-full-electric-pickups/

- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a 3.6 L Engine - https://www.caranddriver.com/chrysler/pacifica
- Hybrids vs. PHEVs - https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1137409_phevs-are-no-longer-a-no-brainer-vs-hybrids
- Used EV tax credit
   - Electrek overview - https://electrek.co/2023/08/07/here-are-all-the-used-evs-that-qualify-for-the-new-4000-tax-credit/
   - IRS - https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit


Intro
Larry’s PHEV Use Case
The PHEV Trucks Can Still Use DCFCs
Towing - The Game Changer
OEMs Make Good IC Engines
The Range Extender is a V6
PHEVs Batteries are Designed to be Run Down to
Fuel Flexibility is Super Useful
Why Did GM Sunset the Voltec Powertrain?
PHEV Use Case No Home Charging
EV Conversion Make Sense to Go Full Electric
What’s The Incentive to Drive a PHEV Electric?
How Convenient is it to Charge? It Depends.
What PHEVs are on the Market?
Used PHEVs
Hybrid Repair Shops Can Inspect Used PHEVs
Federal Tax Credit for Used EVs
PHEVs are a Great Segue for EVs