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I love plug-in hybrid electric vehicles…in theory. I’ve even argued that a requirement that all vehicles have 30 miles of electric range, next year, would do more for the environment than a ban on combustion engines in ten years. But in practice, many PHEVs on the road today aren’t as environmentally friendly as they could be. I’d argue that many shouldn’t qualify for tax incentives.

Here’s the scoop: Some PHEVs have a powerful electric motor and large battery pack. These vehicles are truly capable of completing 30 or even 40 mile commutes without burning any gasoline. Their gasoline motors are a sort of range extender for roadtrips. These cars should absolutely qualify for a tax incentive for emissions reasons: most American drivers travel 30 miles a day or less.

Other PHEVS have a smaller battery pack and/or a smaller electric motor. They may be able to launch from a standstill with their electric motor, but if you floor the accelerator the gasoline motor starts up. Above a certain speed, the gasoline motor starts up. That may not sound bad, but the truth is that most of your engine’s emissions are released at start up. Having a gasoline engine that’s constantly starting and stopping is not much better in emissions than having a gasoline engine idling along all the time.

all-electric cars are on the rise but states like Alaska have very few EV Chargers
EV Chargers | PhonlamaiPhoto via iStock

This second category of PHEVs is essentially a hybrid vehicle with some added battery capacity. And with this extra battery pack comes extra weight.

If it was up to me, any PHEV that kicks on its gasoline engine when your accelerator pedal is all the way down wouldn’t qualify for any federal tax incentives. We should save that money for cars that pollute less.

Next, learn more about why PHEVS are a good alternative to the combustion ban, or see more upsides and downsides of PHEVs in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.