Clarity PHEV vs Rav4 Prime observations

No. My point was that the range of a PHEV is essential fixed, based on battery capacity and fuel capacity. Nothing extends either the EV or HV range. In my opinion, “range extended” is a nonsensical term.

What you are saying is that in some vehicles, the climate control system triggers the ICE, thereby preventing the driver from operating the car in EV mode. That just means the car is using gasoline to heat the cabin and propel the car rather than using electricity to heat the cabin and propel the car. Either method will reduce range.

 

I believe "range extended" makes sense in the case of the BMW i3, where they made a BEV version and a PHEV version that uses an ICE to extend the BEV's range. Otherwise, it's just nice--not range-extending--that the Clarity PHEV doesn't require the ICE to make heat for the cabin.

 

At best it is a feel good marketing term designed to make a BEV owner believe they are extending their EV range by running an ICE.

A BEV with an ICE is a PHEV.