Cost Analysis of Plug-In Hybred Electric Vehicles Using GPS-Based Longitudinal Travel Data

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2014 · Energy Policy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2013.12.054· OSTI ID:1122706

Wu, Xing ^[1]; Dong, Jing ^[2]; Lin, Zhenhong ^[3]

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1. Lamar University
2. Iowa State University
3. ORNL

Using spatial, longitudinal travel data of 415 vehicles over 3 18 months in the Seattle metropolitan area, this paper estimates the operating costs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) of various electric ranges (10, 20, 30, and 40 miles) for 3, 5, and 10 years of payback period, considering different charging infrastructure deployment levels and gasoline prices. Some key findings were made. (1) PHEVs could help save around 60% or 40% in energy costs, compared with conventional gasoline vehicles (CGVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), respectively. However, for motorists whose daily vehicle miles traveled (DVMT) is significant, HEVs may be even a better choice than PHEV40s, particularly in areas that lack a public charging infrastructure. (2) The incremental battery cost of large-battery PHEVs is difficult to justify based on the incremental savings of PHEVs operating costs unless a subsidy is offered for largebattery PHEVs. (3) When the price of gasoline increases from $4/gallon to $5/gallon, the number of drivers who benefit from a larger battery increases significantly. (4) Although quick chargers can reduce charging time, they contribute little to energy cost savings for PHEVs, as opposed to Level-II chargers.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); National Transportation Research Center (NTRC)
• Sponsoring Organization: EE USDOE - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1122706
• Journal Information: Energy Policy, Journal Name: Energy Policy Vol. 68; ISSN 0301-4215
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English