According to Sawyer Merritt, recent data-driven research shows that many plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners are not utilizing their cars' electric features, driving 25-65% fewer electric miles than technically possible and consuming 42-67% more fuel than EPA estimates (Source: Sawyer Merritt, Twitter). This behavior highlights a significant gap in real-world PHEV usage patterns versus expectations, presenting opportunities for AI-driven solutions in driver education, vehicle monitoring, and personalized charging reminders to optimize electric mode usage and reduce fuel consumption.