Beginning in Jan 2024, the US government $7500 incentive for PHEV/BEV is planned to be offered as a POS discount. Applied to current Niro and Sportage pricing structure.
Without discount/ with discount
2022 Niro top trim
HEV $34790
PHEV $36490/$28990
Bev $44650/$37150
2023 Sportage top trim
Gas only $36790
HEV $36190
PHEV $42990/$35490
Observations
1) PHEV costs the consumer less than gas only and HEV versions!
2) PHEV uses ~20% of BEV battery size but typically achieves 80% conversion to electric miles. For a constrained battery supply chain, a focus on PHEV over BEV delivers greater environmental benefits.
Please get ready to build millions of PHEVs !
Given: a 60kwhr battery, 10k driven mi/yr, PHEV 80% electric
Using the battery in:
a) 1 BEV converts 10k miles from gas to electricity, new charging infrastructure required for road trips
b) 5 PHEV (5X12Kwhr) converts 40k (5x8k)miles from gas to electricity , no new infrastructure required for road trips
Bottom line. The US should focus on PHEV until battery become cheaper, safer, more environmentally friendly, more abundant, and longer range. A rapid conversion to PHEVs is better for customers, car manufacturers, and the environment.
Alternatively, a 200HP 50 mile BEV, with a 50HP gas range extender also works well.
Thanks for the great insight!