What’s the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid? Each of these thrifty powertrains is slightly different, and understanding how will help you choose the one that better suits your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at how each powertrain works, and how each can benefit your daily drive.
Hybrids
Before there were plug-in hybrids, there were hybrids. The original hybrid powertrain pairs a gas-powered engine with a battery-powered motor. By working together to power your vehicle, this hybrid setup helps you achieve better EPA ratings than regular gas-powered engines. That’s especially when it comes to around-town driving.
Conventional hybrid powertrains do not need to be recharged. However, the hybrid battery may eventually need to be replaced, especially if you plan to hang on to your vehicle past 100,000 miles.
Plug-In Hybrids
Unlike conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids need to be recharged. These models also combine a gas-powered engine with a battery-powered motor. However, the motor’s larger battery must be plugged into a charger (either the standard 120-volt household outlet or a special 240-volt outlet) periodically. Depending on how big the battery is, a full recharge can take several hours. Compared to the conventional outlet, the higher-voltage outlet requires less time to recharge the battery.
Plug-in hybrids can typically travel on battery power alone, supplying approximately 25 miles of all-electric travel, depending on the model in question. When the electric range runs out, the plug-in hybrid switches to hybrid mode.
When the rechargeable battery runs out of juice, a plug-in hybrid can run on gasoline power, much like a conventional gas-powered vehicle. However, your plug-in hybrid won’t earn maximum fuel mileage using its gas engine alone.
Make Your Choice
Overall, hybrids supply excellent gas mileage and lower emissions compared to conventional gas-powered vehicles. Compared to plug-in hybrids, they’re more convenient, because you never have to plan ahead to charge the battery to full capacity. Indeed, you never have to charge a conventional hybrid battery at all.
Meanwhile, a plug-in hybrid comes with the added benefit of traveling completely gas-free for several miles. This could help you significantly cut down on fuel costs, especially if your everyday commute fits into your plug-in hybrid’s electric range. And, like hybrids, these models achieve impressive fuel ratings. However, to achieve maximum mileage, you must make sure that your battery is charged and ready for action. (But if it isn’t, there’s no need to worry, because plug-in hybrids can run on gas power alone!)