We don’t test PHEVs very often for one good reason, we can’t charge them.

The people who could most benefit from a partially electrified drivetrain are those where pollution is most concentrated; the inner city. 75% if the City of Sydney is strata development with little or no access to charging. We rely on public charging for EVs.

Much of the pubic charging is at shopping centres with the remainder strewn about random locations.  Before thinking of clogging up a fast charger, remember most PHEVs can’t fast charge so the plug won’t fit. That means the destination chargers are the only option.

Our Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro  S line has a max charging limit of 7.2kw to get the 17.9kWh battery to full in 2 ½ hours. You can’t stay that long at a shopping centre without incurring fees, so although the top-up might be free, the parking charges are steep. Who has that much time to hang around a mall?

PHEVs only make sense if the owner can charge at home where time is a moot point.

ABOVE: 2024 Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro  S line 

The question is: Are PHEVs worth it?

The Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro  S line has around 55km of EV range but the petrol engine will be called on if more power is needed. Assuming a home charge and a full battery, economy is 2.0L/100km but should the owner need to wander further afield, a refuel is all that is required. After the battery empties the Q5 will operate like any other hybrid. It switches between drive, charge, and regenerate using both engine and motor.

Operating in normal hybrid modes raises fuel consumption to around 4.5L/100km, and recharging the battery fully to around 10L/100km. That is a handy option when entering an ultra-low emissions zone, but you can also choose to preserve battery power you already have.

PHEVs come in several brands, and make a good option if they can be used as designed, otherwise you’re paying for technology and weight that are of no advantage to you.

FULL REVIEW SOON

More Audi at GayCarBoys

Video Review: 2024 Audi Q8 E-tron 55 quattro Full ELECTRIC CAR Review – GayCarBoys – Alan Zurvas 

#audi, #audiq855etron, #audiev, #alanzurvas, #gaycarboys

SHORT Video Review: Audi e-Tron GT RS Quick Look – Light Show

#automobile #shorts #audietrongtrs #gaycarboys #alanzurvas ##shorts