Study on the Fueling Economic Feasibility of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The most concerning issue of these days is the energy crisis caused by increasing threat of dependence on imported oil and volatile market trend. Under these circumstances, the PHEV(plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is drawing attention for the next generation's car which could give a chance to decrease the dependence on imported oil and reduce the environmental impact of vehicle. The fueling cost of PHEV, one of the core factor of decision about buying car, should be calculated in the circumstances of Korea to make sure that PHEV has competitive power in real market. The fuel cost saving of PHEV versus CV(conventional vehicle) is simulated and discussed in the condition of increasing gasoline cost, electricity rate, and city-gas rate. In conclusion, the PHEV60-FS shows the best economic feasibility when gasoline price goes up. The PHEV20 has the most stable economic feasibility as electricity rate increases. The fuel cell cogeneration system for RPG could be an alternative for charger of PHEV in the near future.