I know a lot of people disagree with my assessment and that is perfectly fine but my view remains the same.
PHEVs are a stepping stone and a huge step in the right direction while the tech matures. We cannot do everything in huge jumps and we need interim solutions and PHEVs are just that while people get used to the technology and the concepts of EV ownership and while charging technologies and networks develop.
The tech is most definitely not there yet for mass take-up IMO. The current battery technology does not have the energy density necessary and charging is way too slow. Mind you... I do agree it is on the way but my view of how long it will take to get into cars is pessimistic. Car manufacturer's have shown they are slow to get new products to market and once there even slower to change and develop them. When I first got my Leaf in 2011 we were all saying 3-5 years and EVs will be on everyone's agenda... we were all hopelessly over optimistic and I am trying now to be more realistic.
We cannot change public opinion overnight and PHEVs are a tool to help do just that. They get people to become aware of the technology and the possibilities for the future whilst at the same time going part way towards the benefits of an EV yet keeping them within the comfort zone of what they know. I wholly support PHEVs right now.
One thing is certain though... there are almost as many views on this as there are observers! It isn't clear at all where it is heading or how fast IMO.