Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) play an important role in the future of transportation due to environmental concerns and rising fuel costs. A PHEV shares the characteristics of both a conventional hybrid electric vehicle, having an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE); and of an all-electric vehicle, having a plug to connect to the electrical grid.
Further improvements in fuel economy for PHEVs can be achieved through using intelligent power management systems. These power management systems take advantage of prior knowledge about the route and traffic data which is available through the on-board and infrastructure-based sensors; such as the GPS, ITS, and road maps.