Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery than an electric car and can run on both electricity and gasoline. They can be plugged in at home, at work or at public charging stations to recharge the battery. Depending on how much of each mode is used, they can have a range up to 300+ miles. When using a fast charge, some of these vehicles can be charged to 80% capacity in just a few hours.
Some models can even be plugged in and driven for short trips without ever needing to use gasoline at all. In fact, a large part of the emissions savings from these vehicles come from their ability to travel on electric power for a significant amount of time and distance, rather than burning fuel.
The best way to get a feel for what it’s like to drive a plug-in hybrid is to visit a dealership and test drive one. Many of the major automakers offer this option and they often have a full battery of options to choose from, including SUVs, sedans, crossovers, hatchbacks and sports cars.
When comparing Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles to gasoline-powered models, drivers should remember that the batteries in these cars add weight, so they typically have lower maximum acceleration and top speeds. This can be noticeable when compared to models with conventional engines and it’s important for people who intend on using their vehicles for commuting or long drives to factor this into their decisions when selecting a model.
In terms of fuel economy, plug-in hybrids can achieve impressive triple-digit mpg numbers. The reason for this is that, during the official fuel economy testing process, these vehicles are essentially being driven a set distance starting with a fully-charged battery. That said, they still have a much smaller advantage than pure-electric cars when it comes to real world performance on the highway, where most of their driving occurs.
In the end, plug-in hybrids are ideal for people who don’t mind visiting the gas station occasionally, but want to reduce their day-to-day operating costs by driving significantly less gasoline. They’re also great for those who don’t quite have the budget to afford a pure-electric car, but who would benefit from low-cost access to charging infrastructure and the freedom to avoid paying for gasoline.