What Are the Differences Between Plug-ins and Hybrids?

“What are the differences between plug-ins and 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.

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

If you plan to purchase a new vehicle soon, you might want to know what these new electrified powertrain transportation systems have to offer. Perhaps you want to know what it’s like owning an electric vehicle.

In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between plug-ins and hybrids to help you understand what sets each one apart.

What is a Plug-in Vehicle?

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

For the environment-conscious, these vehicles generally consume electric power first until their levels reach a certain threshold. Once it does, they automatically switch to their combustion engines to start using fuel.

Charging PHEV batteries can be accomplished in 3 ways:

• Using an external electric power source
• Using the internal combustion engine
• By applying regenerative braking

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

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

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

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

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

Main Difference Between Plug-ins and Hybrids

Hybrid vehicles acquire energy from both their electric motor and gasoline engine. These two systems work with each other to provide the power they need to function. A hybrid car would also consume fuel to assist in recharging its battery power.

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

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

When searching for a plug-in and hybrid vehicle, 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 hybrid inventory today to find the PHEV or HEV you need.