Utility Factor Definitions for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Using 2001 U.S. DOT National Household Travel Survey Data J2841_200903

The total fuel and energy consumption rates of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) vary depending upon the distance driven. For PHEVs, the assumption is that operation starts in battery charge-depleting mode and eventually changes to battery charge-sustaining mode. Total distance between charge events determines how much of the driving is performed in each of the two fundamental modes. An equation describing the portion of driving in each mode is defined. Driving statistics from the National Highway Transportation Survey are used as inputs to the equation to provide an aggregate "Utility Factor" (UF) applied to the charge-depleting mode results.