Honda Auto Center of Bellevue

Mar 20, 2024

Hybrid and Plugin Line Up

What are the differences between plug-insrnand hybrids?” and “Does an electric vehicle cost more?

These are two questions that are often asked by people who want to learn about the characteristics of these two types of vehicles.

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With the age of electric cars upon usrnd the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions, the interest inrnboth hybrid vehicles and plug-in vehicles will continue to grow in the years torncome.

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If you plan to purchase a new vehiclernsoon, you might want to know what these new electrified powertrainrntransportation systems have to offer. Perhaps you want to know what it’s likernowning an electric vehicle.

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In this post, we’ll discuss therndifferences between plug-ins and hybrids to help you understand what sets eachrnone apart.

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What is a Plug-in Vehicle?

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A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)rnis a type of automobile that utilizes batteries and fuel to power its electricrnmotor and internal combustion engine respectively.

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For the environment-conscious, thesernvehicles generally consume electric power first until their levels reach arncertain threshold. Once it does, they automatically switch to their combustionrnengines to start using fuel.

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Charging PHEV batteries can be accomplishedrnin 3 ways:

  • Using an external electricrnpower source
  • Using the internal combustionrnengine
  • By applying regenerativernbraking

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In regenerative braking, the electricrnmotor of plug-in hybrid vehicles works as a generator whenever they brake, whichrnrecaptures the energy that would otherwise have been lost.

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What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

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A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is arntype of automobile that uses an internal combustion engine together with one orrnmore electric motors that consume battery-stored energy. An HEV offers the bestrnof both electric and conventional vehicles by having high fuel economy and range.

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HEVs are categorized into two distinctrnfuel-efficient system designs. These are:

  • Mild hybrid system: A mild hybrid systemrnin an HEV means that the vehicle uses a battery along with its electric motorrnfor power. This allows its engine to turn off whenever it stops moving thusrnmaking it more fuel-efficient.
  • Full hybrid system:  Full hybrid systems have bigger batteries andrnelectric motors that are more powerful than its counterpart. Although it costsrnmore, a full hybrid system offers better fuel economy than a mild hybridrnsystem.

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Main Difference Between Plug-ins and Hybrids

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Hybrid vehicles acquire energy from bothrntheir electric motor and gasoline engine. These two systems work with eachrnother to provide the power they need to function. A hybrid car would alsornconsume fuel to assist in recharging its battery power.

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In plug-in hybrid vehicles, theyrnprimarily operate with their electric motors by consuming energy from theirrnbatteries. A PHEV won’t consume gasoline unless it runs out of battery power.

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Find Your Plug-in and Hybrid Vehicle at Honda Auto CenterrnOf Bellevue

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When searching for a plug-in and hybridrnvehicle, make sure you get in touch with our team in person. Our dealership has been serving the communities in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, and Sammamish since 1980, providing customers in these areas with several options to buy Honda vehicles. Come visit our location or check out our hybridrninventory today to find the PHEV or HEV you need.

*Washington's #1 Volume Honda Dealer based on new car sales data for 2023 per AHM - Source: New Honda Sales for 2023, AHM Zone 5.