Home

Features

EV 101

What Is A Plug-In Hybrid And How Exactly Does It Work?

While PHEVs haven’t been very popular, they’re having a moment right now as more buyers look to transition from gas-only vehicles.

Chevy Volt EV101

Chris Teague

By: Chris Teague

May 20, 2024 at 5:00pm ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

The term “electrified vehicles” includes various propulsion systems, including hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and EVs. While PHEVs haven’t been as popular as others in the category, they’re having a moment as more buyers look to transition from gas-only vehicles to models with better fuel economy. They function similarly to hybrid vehicles but have some elements of battery-only EVs, which can confuse some buyers. Let’s take a closer look at what PHEVs are and how they work.

What Are PHEVs?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs, typically have a gas engine and one or more electric motors with a battery pack that needs charging. They offer a modest all-electric range, which means no fuel-ups for many drivers. When the battery’s power is mostly exhausted, they function more like traditional hybrids, relying mainly on the gas engine with occasional help from the electric motor(s). PHEVs are more expensive than hybrid vehicles but less so than full EVs and must be charged to realize their full fuel-saving potential.

Charging takes less time than with EVs because PHEVs’ batteries are smaller, which also equates to a shorter electric range. Most models offer between 20 and 40 miles of range, though some go much lower or a bit higher. Those numbers pale in comparison to most EVs, but plug-in hybrids have an advantage with their gas engines that step in to offer more livable driving range numbers.

Benefits Of PHEVs

Plug-in hybrids’ electric-only range can be a significant benefit for drivers with short commutes. It can mean driving for extended periods with stops only for charging instead of visiting a gas station. Charging is possible on a 240-volt home outlet in a few hours or a 120-volt outlet overnight. They generally cost less than EVs and can work well for people living in areas with less developed charging infrastructure because of the gas engine backup.

Many automakers have learned that drivers want to engage with their electrified vehicles, and some new PHEVs lean on their electric motors for more lively off-the-line acceleration. They are often less noisy than their gas counterparts, but they do need to rely on the gas engine when more power is needed or in extreme temperatures.

PHEVs can also qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, which can significantly reduce the initial purchase price. Combined with fuel savings for shorter drives, a plug-in hybrid can be a compelling buy for many drivers. And, while they require charging, plug-in hybrids can be an excellent “bridge” vehicle for buyers looking to explore EVs by instilling good battery hygiene habits and familiarizing them with the charging lifestyle.

More Tax Credit Info

What The 2024 Election Could Mean For EV Tax Credits

Here Are All The EVs And Hybrids That Qualify For A Tax Credit In 2024

GM Offers $7,500 Discount To EVs That Don't Get The Tax Credit

Yes, The Revised 2024 EV Tax Credits Still Count If You Lease The Car

Downsides Of PHEVs

Though they offer an electric range, which can significantly improve fuel economy, PHEVs aren’t the best choice for every driver. They’re more expensive than gas and hybrid vehicles, and the payback period to recover that extra cost in fuel savings can be longer than most people keep vehicles. That’s especially true for drivers with long commutes or people who take frequent road trips.

Owners who don’t remember to charge can get worse fuel economy, as the gas engine has to tote around a heavy battery and electric motors. Hybrids generally do not produce their best gas mileage on the highway, and the extra weight in PHEVs makes long-distance driving even less efficient. The additional space needed for a battery pack can also cut into interior space as automakers often install the packs under the rear seat or trunk area.

PHEVs also have all the maintenance costs of a standard gas model with the added potential of battery replacements. However, the long 100,000-mile warranties usually take care of any electric drive system problems. Unlike EVs, PHEVs still require oil changes, engine air filters, and other wear-and-tear components that drive up ownership costs.

Finally, plug-in hybrids may lose relevance as EVs become more affordable and battery technologies mature. Solid-state batteries and alternative chemistries will bring better range estimates and less weight, improving the driving experience and making them more usable for people who do not live in areas with well-equipped charging facilities.

More EV 101 Info

The Best Electric Car Chargers Of 2024

Where Can You Charge An Electric Car?

Can You Own An Electric Car Without Having A Garage Or At-Home Charging?

Thinking Of Buying An Electric Car? Here Are Five Critical Things To Consider

Future Of Plug-In Hybrids

No matter what you hear, PHEVs are not the end-all, be-all solution and are not completely irrelevant. That in-between status puts them in somewhat of an awkward position, as EVs are better solutions for many buyers, and gas or hybrid vehicles make more financial sense for others. PHEVs have doubled in sales since 2019, and forecasts predict continued growth through the end of the decade. They’ve also gotten a boost as automakers see slower-than-expected EV demand growth and revert to hybrid technologies.

What do you think?

View

Comments

Despite a higher initial purchase price than gas or hybrid vehicles, PHEVs’ electric range will continue to offer significant benefits for people living in states with higher-than-average gas prices. The U.S. has less aggressive electrification goals than many other countries, but continued tax credits sweeten the deal and make their purchase price more palatable for more buyers.

That said, the United States government has invested billions into improving the charging infrastructure and making the EV ownership experience less of a hassle. That will eventually alleviate charging concerns for many people, though charging speeds may remain a challenge for some time.

FAQ

Do plug-in hybrids have regenerative braking?

Yes, PHEVs offer regenerative braking, but they do not typically recover enough energy to return a meaningful amount of range to the battery. Charging is the best way to reach a full charge.

What happens if I forget to charge a plug-in hybrid?

Nothing happens if you forget to charge. Your car will continue to operate on its gas engine, and you will still reach your destination. That said, you’ll probably experience reduced fuel economy and won’t see any electric range by letting the battery run dry.

Are plug-in hybrids cheaper than EVs?

Generally speaking, yes, plug-in hybrids are significantly more affordable than EVs, but remember that they’re costlier than hybrid or gas models.

How long do plug-in hybrids last?

Most will last as long as anyone plans to keep their vehicle. Additionally, automakers offer at least eight years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage for the electric drive components, including the battery.

Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox.

back

Subscribe For more info, read our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The InsideEVs team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com

View all comments ( )

Trending

I Took A Rivian R2 On A Camping Trip To The Middle Of The Desert

Solid-State Cells Can Make The U.S. Competitive In Batteries Again: CEO

BYD's Futuristic EV Charger Can Run On Sunshine And Batteries

Google’s Gemini AI Assistant Now Works On Apple CarPlay