If you have been car shopping recently, you’ve probably noticed the new hybrids now include standard hybrids, full electric (EV) vehicles, and the middle option known as a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
Summary
A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle has both an electric motor powered by large batteries and a gasoline engine. The difference from a standard Hybrid (gas/electric) vehicle is that the battery in a PHEV is much larger. Therefore, you will be able to charge the batteries from a standard outlet to allow for driving completely on electricity for your everyday drives (typically between 25 miles and 50 miles) before having to use the gasoline engine for longer distances.
- A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) uses a gas tank and a charging port. You never have “range anxiety” because the gas engine is always there as a backup.
- If your commute is less than 10 miles per day, you could go 3 months (or more) without hitting the gas station.
- If you don’t charge a PHEV, it is actually less efficient than a regular hybrid because you are hauling a heavy, empty battery around.
Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid
The confusion between the two styles of the vehicle primarily revolves around how much you would like to interact with the electric charging unit.
| Feature | Standard Hybrid (HEV) | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Do you plug it in? | No, it charges itself via braking. | Yes, to get the full electric benefit. |
| Electric-only range | Very low (only at low speeds). | 20 to 50+ miles at highway speeds. |
| Battery Size | Small (around 1 kWh). | Large (up to 20 kWh). |
| Best For | City drivers who can’t charge at home. | Commuters with a garage and a plug. |
| Reliability | Highest (15% fewer issues than gas) | Lowest (80% more issues than gas)* |
*PHEVs have been ranked as the most complex and least reliable powertrain type by JD Power, largely due to software glitches between the two engines.
The Pros and Cons of a Plug-in Hybrid
If you’re thinking about trading in your existing vehicle, know that plug-in hybrids (PHEV) require a more involved “relationship.”
PHEV’s can produce good results, but only if you follow the rules.
Pros
- Electric Vehicle Light: Approximately 90% of your trips will be powered by an electric vehicle, providing all the benefits of an electric vehicle with instant torque and silence.
- No Public Charging Stress: PHEV drivers can use normal gas stations when on long-distance excursions. The driver will not have to worry about whether there is a charge station available at that rest stop.
- HOV Lane Access: In many urban locales, PHEV license plate holders are permitted to access the carpool (HOV) lanes even when no other passengers are present in their vehicle.
Cons
- Complexity: Drivers maintain two engines (a combustion engine and an electric motor). Both require oil changes, so battery care (state) is still important.
- Lack of Cargo Volume: The batteries located in your rear trunk take up potential storage volume, thus reducing storage capacity in vehicles like the BMW X3 xDrive30e.
- Installation Cost: Overall, PHEVs are $5,000-$8,000 higher in price than most traditional hybrid vehicles. If you do not “plug in” every night, you will never recoup the difference through fuel savings.
Charging Your PHEV: What You Need to Know
The plug-in hybrid vehicle offers drivers the flexibility of charging either at home or out on the road, yet charging your PHEV differs from filling up a gas tank and charging up a fully electric vehicle.
At Home: Your PHEV will come equipped with (1) a standard 120-volt cord (trickle charge) that can be plugged into a typical household outlet with a full charge time of 12 to 14 hours or (2) the ability to charge using a much faster (2 to 4 hours) 240-volt Level-2 home charger.
Public Charging: You can also find public charging stations located in places like malls and hotels that generally use J1772 or NACS (Tesla connector) to charge your vehicle. Most PHEVs do not support DC fast charging. Unlike full EVs that can charge in 20 minutes at a highway rest stop, most PHEVs are designed to “sip” power slowly, making them best suited for overnight charging.
Speed Limit: Each PHEV has a built-in maximum charge rate. Therefore, even if you plug into a charger with much higher fast-charging capabilities than your maximum charge rate, your vehicle will charge at its maximum rate. The maximum charging rate for most PHEV’s is between 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW.
The Bottom Line: To get the most out of a PHEV, you really need a dedicated spot to plug in every night. Relying solely on public stations can be a chore due to the slower charging speeds.
You Might Also Like: How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car?
Key Features to Look For In A Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle
If you are considering purchasing a newer version of a PHEV, be on the lookout for the following “quality of life” features:
EV Save Mode: This function allows you to “save” your battery power until later. For instance, while driving on the highway, you may run on gas, but as soon as you arrive in your residential area or a congested city, you can switch to silent electric power.
Heat Pump Technology: PHEV’s from previous generations lost about 50 percent of their range in winter because they heated their vehicles using battery power. The newer generation utilizes heat pumps. Therefore, you’ll experience no range loss in the cold.
Level Two Onboard Charger: Ensure that all of your vehicles will charge at least 6.6 kW. This allows for a full charge in two or three hours instead of twelve hours to charge.
Hard Buttons: With so many “tech glitches” reported in recent times, look for one that does NOT have your “Switch to EV” button deep in a touchscreen menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I never plug in my plug-in hybrid?
The vehicle will still operate normally. However, you will incur additional expenses due to carrying approximately 400 lbs (181 kg) of dead weight (the large battery), thereby increasing your fuel consumption compared to a traditional hybrid.
Can a PHEV run on gasoline only?
Yes. Once the battery discharges to 0%, the vehicle will be converted to a traditional hybrid (not electric). Therefore, if you have sufficient gasoline in the tank, the vehicle will never be stranded.
Do I have to charge my plug-in hybrid every day?
You’re not required to charge your plug-in hybrid car every day. But by charging it as often as possible, you will maximise your electric mileage potential, therefore maximising the savings created by the higher priced sticker of your car.
Final Say
My personal experience with these types of vehicles has convinced me that a PHEV is the “perfect” vehicle for only a small percentage of people.
If you can charge your car each night at home and your commute is less than 30 miles each way, then purchasing a PHEV is like beating the system at its own game.
You will not go into a petrol station often, and your PHEV will feel like a spaceship. However, if you live in an apartment without a charger or if you do a 100-mile commute every day, a standard hybrid is a much smarter buy. It is lighter, cheaper, and more reliable.
One last tip: if you are a parent, check the “Fitment” of your car seats before signing the papers. PHEV batteries are often hidden under the rear seat, which can sometimes raise the seat height just enough to make a tall convertible car seat hit the ceiling.
Always do a test fit! Safe driving out there, and let us know your experience with a PHEV in the comments!
