“Plug-in hybrids are the gateway drug for electric vehicles,” said Amelia Dalgaard, an automotive expert known online as The Online Motorhead Mom.
That’s because plug-in hybrids solve the range anxiety that prevents some car buyers from doing a full-blown ev at first.
Despite More and more popular Not everyone is ready for an all-electric car in a traditional electric car. Fortunately, there is another option for many drivers that is a good first step: Plug-in hybrid car.
The plug-in hybrid allows you to drive the battery power at a limited distance and use a gas engine as a backup. For some, this is the best of both worlds. For others, juggling two fuel sources is not worth the hassle.
Here’s how to determine if a plug-in hybrid is right for you.
What is a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrids are essentially an upgrade to traditional hybrids that many of us know. Both use a mixture of battery power and gas, but here is the key difference:
- Conventional hybrid Relying primarily on its internal combustion engine, but with small batteries, it can be started at low speeds or when stopping. In this type of hybrid vehicle, the battery is charged only by regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine of the car.
- Using a plug-in hybrid vehicle, The on-board battery is much larger and can support full electric driving range About 20 to 30 miles. These batteries are also partially charged by regenerative braking, but need to be plugged in to completely stand out – hence the “plug-in” hybrid name.
Plug-in hybrid cars are also very different from traditional ones Electric cars Rely on 100% battery. Traditional electric cars can usually charge a range of over 100 miles per single charge and need to be plugged into that range – there is no gas backup there.
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How to determine if a plug-in hybrid car is right for you
Depending on your needs, a plug-in hybrid can be a reliable alternative to a traditional gas vehicle or an all-electric vehicle.
When your plug-in hybrid car comes with a gas motor, you really don’t have to worry about running out of battery without a charger nearby. But Dalgaard said that usually people fall in love with electric driving and choose the complete electric car for their next car.
That being said, if you don’t use a plug-in hybrid in the way it’s designed, it’s easy to get the opposite experience. “Don’t get a plug-in hybrid if you think you don’t charge.” Having to fill the gas tank and charging the battery twice as much as it works, she says it might not be worth it if you think you can’t handle it.
Some other things Dalgaard should consider before buying a plug-in hybrid:
- What fees can you use? You (can still) Charger at home In your garage? There is still a nearby one Public charger (Maybe at work or at your grocery store) Can you rely on? If you don’t have access to convenient charging, a plug-in hybrid might not be a good choice.
- What are your driving needs? Do you want to maximize your mile per gallon? Are you interested in trying electric driving?
- What financial incentives can you access? The federal government and some states are Give discount Used for electric vehicles, sometimes including plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, federal incentives are Expired this year.
- How bad is your range anxiety? For some, it’s just inconvenient to run out of batteries in electric vehicles. But if you are a parent or senior, the idea of being stranded without charges can feel even worse. In this case, backup backup for plug-in hybrids can make people feel at ease, Dalgard said.
If you are considering an electric car but aren’t ready yet, a plug-in hybrid is a good compromise.
Plug-in hybrid pros and cons
advantage |
shortcoming |
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They are low-risk ways to try driving with an electric motor and (partially rely on) the battery. |
They need Two types of cheering: Fill in the gas station and plug in the charger. |
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They offer the flexibility of a full electric range and gasoline-powered engine. |
If you never charge them, the plug-in hybrid will do well. They won’t be like regular hybrids, but rather are weak gas engines, Dalgard said. |
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The electric motor provides instant torque that improves driving performance. (“They’re just quick,” Dalgard said.) |
Their total electric range is usually short compared to electric cars that have completely knocked out. |
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Economic incentives for electric vehicles can offset the cost of these vehicles (If purchased before September 30, 2025) |
Consider when buying a plug-in hybrid
If you think a plug-in hybrid is the right car for you, there are still many options for the specific model to buy.
CNET is named 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE Plug-in efficiency king and gave it Editors’ Choice Award.
One of the main factors you want to consider is price. Compare your budget to the price tag of the plug-in hybrid model and start determining which budgets might be a good match (don’t forget to include federal and national economic incentives).
You should also consider the electric range of the vehicle. For example, if your commute is 15 miles, for example, you might need a plug-in hybrid that can charge at least 30 miles so you can make your commute fully electric.
Dalgard’s final suggestion? Look for automakers with multiple plug-in hybrids in their lineup. They know what they are doing, which bodes well – and ultimately you will pair it with a long-lasting plug-in hybrid.
