Why Are There So Many Voices Opposing the Purchase of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles?
Jun 21, 2024
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have become a popular choice among many consumers, but there is also a significant amount of opposition to purchasing them. Critics often point to the dual power systems, heavier weight, higher price, shorter battery life, and poor fuel economy as reasons to avoid them. As a consumer, you might wonder if PHEVs are the best choice at this stage. Let's analyze these concerns one by one.
The notion of having two power systems is unfounded; conventional cars with dual-motor setups actually have an additional independent transmission. The increased weight due to the battery does make PHEVs heavier than their conventional counterparts, but this primarily affects fuel consumption. However, the change in power dynamics means PHEVs are significantly more fuel-efficient than conventional cars. The impact on handling is minimal, as the flat battery layout does not significantly affect the center of gravity, and this is not a core concern for family cars. For those prioritizing handling, high-end electric vehicles are more suitable.
Regarding the price, it's no longer a valid argument. There are many domestic PHEVs available for under 150,000 RMB, and with the exemption of purchase tax, they are almost on par with conventional cars in terms of price. Even if they are slightly more expensive, the cost difference can be offset by longer mileage, resulting in lower overall running costs compared to conventional cars.
Concerns about battery life are essentially about the decline in range as the battery ages. This only affects the electric-only range of the PHEV and does not impact the fuel consumption when the battery is depleted, which is the core value of PHEVs. Moreover, first-tier manufacturers now offer lifetime warranties for the "three electrics" (battery, motor, and electronic control), so any issues can be addressed at the dealership.
Of course, conventional cars also have their merits. If you can't charge at home, frequently drive on highways at speeds over 120 km/h (not recommended), or plan to travel to remote areas like Xinjiang and Tibet, then a conventional car like the Lynk & Co 03+, Tank 300, or Toyota Prado might be a better choice.
With a budget of 150,000 RMB and a preference for a rugged appearance, is the Haval Dragon worth considering? If you're just driving on paved roads in the city and like the rugged design, the front-wheel-drive T2 is a good choice, with its spacious interior and low fuel consumption. If you need to drive on unpaved roads, the Haval Dragon is a good option, but be mindful of the balance between oil and electricity during intense driving. The other two options, Yao Guang C-DM and Fengyun T9, do not align with the rugged style. Yao Guang C-DM has the best overall quality among the options and is a typical urban SUV with a strong emphasis on sports attributes. If the budget allows, the top-spec four-wheel-drive version offers high value for money. Fengyun T9 focuses on functionality and is the most suitable for normal family use, with its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spaciousness.
Between the pure fuel vehicles, the Toyota Highlander and the Honda CR-V, the CR-V is recommended. It offers better space and interior quality, and its 1.5-liter engine provides stronger performance across all speed ranges compared to the 2.0-liter engine in the Highlander, which struggles with high-speed acceleration.
Both the Ford Mondeo 2.0T luxury and the Lynk & Co 07 mid-spec are good options. The Mondeo has an advantage in space and overall comfort, with decent power, but it has higher maintenance costs. The Lynk & Co 07, a green plate PHEV, primarily uses electric drive at low to medium speeds, offering a stronger acceleration experience, especially in urban environments. It also has advantages in interior craftsmanship and intelligent features. Between the two, the Lynk & Co 07 is recommended.
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