Now that electric driving is getting more popular by the day, you may have heard about hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. But what is a plug-in hybrid? In this easy-to-read guide, our experts at Montgomeryville Mitsubishi, serving Montgomeryville, Quakertown, Norristown, and Doylestown, PA, will delve into what a plug-in hybrid is and how it can benefit you. Read on to explore the features and advantages of these innovative vehicles.
How Do Plug-in Hybrids Work?
Hybrid vehicles generally use small batteries paired with traditional gas engines to run on electrical power for short distances before seamlessly switching back to gasoline. However, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have larger batteries that can be charged from an external power source, such as a home or public charging station. This allows PHEVs to operate on electric power alone for a certain distance, usually ranging between 20 to 50 miles, depending on the model.
When the electric charge is empty, the vehicle seamlessly switches to its gasoline engine, providing an extended driving range and flexibility. Combining an electric motor and a gasoline engine ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of electric driving while still enjoying the perks of gas-powered engines for longer trips.
Types of Hybrid Vehicles
There are two types of hybrid vehicles: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Conventional hybrids normally use a smaller battery that is charged only through regenerative braking and by the gasoline engine itself. That's why they do not require external charging and promise better fuel economy than conventional gas-powered vehicles. However, they can run on electric power only for short distances.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, are designed to provide a good electric drive-only range, extendable by charging from an external source. This allows reduced fuel use and lower emissions on short journeys while maintaining a petrol engine's performance to ensure that one is supplied with power on longer rides.
Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric Vehicles
Although plug-in hybrids and EVs both lower tailpipe emissions, they achieve this goal in different ways. Plug-in hybrids provide extended-range convenience, meaning you can drive longer without frequent recharges and run both with electricity and gasoline. They are ideal for drivers who want the benefits of electric driving for daily commutes and gasoline for longer trips.
In contrast, electric cars run only on electricity and need access to charging stations. EVs provide zero tailpipe emissions and low operating costs, while plug-in hybrids, thanks to the two power sources, offer more flexibility, making them practical for such a wide range of driving requirements.
Want to Find a Plug-in Hybrid? Browse our Inventory Online!
At Montgomeryville Mitsubishi, we're here to answer all your questions, from "what's a plug-in hybrid?" to "which one is the perfect one for me?". Our mission is getting drivers from Montgomeryville to Quakertown, Norristown, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, behind the wheel of their dream car. View our PHEV Inventory and take the next step toward sustainable driving.