A Comprehensive Study of the Parameters Impacting the Fuel Economy of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are one of the most promising solutions that can improve the fuel economy and reduce emissions. The fuel consumption of PHEVs is affected by various factors. This article identifies four primary factors with significant impact on the PHEV fuel consumption. In this paper, after a brief discussion of different types of the PHEV configurations, the energy management strategies for PHEVs are classified and reviewed in detail. Moreover, the impact of driving conditions, including traffic congestion, road profile, driving distance, weather conditions, and charging behavior, on the PHEV fuel economy are comprehensively analyzed. The data regarding the trip can be obtained utilizing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies. Finally, commonly used energy storage devices in PHEVs are presented and their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted.