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By my estimation, hybrid is probably the best "default" vehicle. That said, there are many advantages to a PHEV for those willing to utilize that capability. The larger battery size allows a beefier electric motor, which then allows the ICE size to be downsized. Same power while utilizing a more efficient engine.
Driving electric is more efficient in most every electricity market, so having an EV range that covers the typical commute makes sense.
In the US, the minimum battery size to qualify for the full federal tax subsidy is 18 kWh. Why automotive manufacturers didn't build PHEVs around this size from the beginning seems silly to me. That's free money on the table. It allowed the RAV4 Prime to get 40 MPG, 40 miles of EV range, and 300 horsepower. That's nothing to sneeze at.
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