ABSTRACT
In the recent past, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs/PHEVs) have been widely accepted as viable alternatives to conventional vehicles, due to their environmentally friendly and energy-wise features. In the form of a modiŸed HEV, PHEVs are equipped with su¢cient on-board electric power, to support daily driving (on an average of 40 miles/day in North America) in all-electric mode, using only the energy stored in batteries, without consuming a drop of fuel. žis, in turn, causes the embedded internal combustion engine (ICE) to merely use a minimal amount of fossil fuel, to support further driving beyond 40 miles. Eventually, a large reduction in green house gas (GHG) emissions is experienced. PHEVs can reduce fuel consumption by charging its battery from the grid or, possibly in the near future, from various forms of green and renewable energy resources [1,2].
