Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

From PHEVs and BEVs to HEVs, both mild and full, the electric vehicle market has no shortage of confusing acronyms. For those new to the world of alternative fuel vehicles, these abbreviations can make for a difficult introduction, but we’re here to help. While some people tend to use the term “hybrid” interchangeably, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have little in common aside from combining gas and electricity.

In many ways, electric vehicles have become easier to understand as the technology has evolved. The most recent addition, full-on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are probably the least confusing of all. Lacking a gasoline engine of any kind, BEVs are powered by an electric motor (or motors) and a large battery. Comparing a hybrid vs plug-in hybrid vehicle is a little more subtle, but that’s why we’ve compiled this quick primer. We’ll define both HEV and PHEV, compare their performance, range, efficiency, and cost, and take a quick look at the logistics of charging.

What Is a Hybrid?

A true trailblazer in the segment, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) represented the first wave of alternative fuel models to hit the American market. It all started with the humble Toyota Prius, which arrived in North America in late 2000. With its 1.5-liter gas engine and electric motor, the polarizing Prius became the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car and set the stage for electric vehicles to come. Boasting an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined, the 2001 Prius was a revelation for American drivers, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In 2000, average fuel economy was at its lowest point in 20 years with the typical vehicle logging just 24 MPG. The Prius proved that gas-electric hybrids could be a practical alternative to their gas-powered cousins, and in many ways, the industry has never looked back.

But what exactly is a hybrid? In the most basic terms, a hybrid is any vehicle that combines at least one electric motor with a gasoline engine to get the wheels moving, but that’s only half the story. Hybrids are broken down into two categories: full hybrid vehicles and mild hybrid vehicles. The difference comes down to how the vehicle’s electrical power is used. In a full hybrid vehicle, the electric motor is front and center, giving drivers the ability to travel at lower speeds without relying on the gas engine. A full hybrid can operate in zero-emission mode, saving gas and making for an all-around greener driving experience. Some hybrids alternate between gas and electric power at higher speeds, while others allow the two systems to work simultaneously to deliver a little extra bump in performance.

In a mild hybrid, the electric motor takes more of a backseat. The batteries tend to be of lower voltage than those found in full hybrid vehicles and are primarily used to power various electrical systems throughout the vehicle, such as the air conditioning and stereo. A mild hybrid’s electric motor can provide a small boost to aid in accelerating from a full stop but isn’t powerful enough to move the vehicle on its own.

Both full and mild hybrids top off their batteries using their gas engines and regenerative braking, which essentially utilizes the vehicle’s own momentum to produce electricity. Regenerative braking technology is a little more efficient on full hybrids, which, unlike mild hybrids, can fully shut down the gas engine when not in use. In a mild hybrid, the electric motor is usually located directly on the engine’s drive shaft, taking the place of a traditional starter motor.

What Is a PHEV?

The main difference between hybrids and plug-in hybrids is right there in the name. While hybrids––both mild and full––rely on the gas engine and regenerative braking to charge their batteries, plug-in hybrids can be connected to an external power source when the battery starts to run low. A PHEV can still get a bit of a boost from regenerative braking, but taking full advantage of the larger battery means plugging in to recharge. This means plug-in hybrid owners will have to invest in a home charging setup––or find nearby, reliable public charging, which, until recently, could be a bit of a challenge. That’s started to change as the nation’s public charging infrastructure has ballooned to keep up with demand. Between 2015 and 2020, the number of public charging ports across the country more than doubled, and there’s no sign of a slowdown anytime soon.

Arriving on the scene a few years after the first HEVs, the PHEV represents a maturation of the technology, allowing drivers to get from point A to point B on electric power alone, regardless of speed. In a PHEV, the gas engine only kicks into action when the battery runs out of juice, or more power is desired, which can be avoided entirely with a little planning. Today, the typical PHEV has an all-electric range of between 20 and 40 miles, which is more than enough for a little around-town driving or a shorter commute.

PHEVs might have lost some ground to the emerging BEV segment in recent years, but their ability to switch between gas and electric power makes them an alluring option for drivers who aren’t quite ready to plan their road trips around charging stations. Then there’s the tax incentive. Unlike full and mild hybrids, PHEVs are eligible for a generous new federal tax incentive program that can save drivers up to $7,500 on the purchase of a new vehicle and as much as $4,000 on a pre-owned model. Practicality and tax benefits aside, there are a few disadvantages to the PHEV approach. First off, they tend to be more expensive than gas-powered vehicles or other hybrid models and can be less efficient than the latter when the battery runs out of power. The plug-in charging components also eat up cargo space, and the logistics around charging can be a bit of a headache for those living in apartments or urban environments.

Do You Need a Home Charger for a PHEV?

Unlike traditional hybrids, PHEVs need a wired connection to top off the battery, but they do boast one major advantage over BEVs. Fully electric vehicles, with their massive battery packs and powerful electric motors, tend to be a little too power-hungry for your average 120-volt, Level 1 charger. Sure, it’ll work in a pinch, but it can take days to fully recharge if you’re relying on Level 1 charging. This has led to most BEV owners opting for 240-volt, Level 2 chargers, which can get the job done in a matter of hours. This level of convenience is nice, but it doesn’t come cheap, with drivers paying around $500 for a Level 2 charger. That figure can rise by $1,000 or more if your home needs to be wired with a new 240-volt outlet, which can make the investment prohibitive for some drivers.

When it comes to PHEVs, most drivers can get away with 120-volt, Level 1 charging, which means they can avoid the costs associated with Level 2 home charger installation. This contrast with BEVs comes down to the fact that PHEVs are built with smaller batteries––usually around 10-20 kWh instead of 80-100 kWh––allowing them to charge much more quickly. A Level 2 charger will charge a PHEV in just one or two hours if you feel like installing one. However, a Level 1 charger is typically included with the purchase of any new PHEV, and if you need a replacement, it can be found for around $100.

Hybrids vs PHEVs: Which Is Better?

Now that we’ve broken down the differences between HEVs and PHEVs, let’s see how the two types of electric vehicles differ in terms of performance, range, efficiency, and cost.

Performance

Hybrid vehicles, be they mild or full, usually don’t emphasize performance. As we mentioned above, the battery and electric motor in a full hybrid tend to only kick on at lower speeds, which isn’t very helpful when you’re trying to lay down some rubber. Some full hybrids are designed with a motor that can aid the gas engine at higher speeds, but such models tend to be outliers. The gulf in performance is even starker when you’re discussing mild hybrid vehicles, which largely reserve the battery for running various electric systems. While a mild hybrid’s electric motor can be used to help the engine accelerate from a full stop, its contribution to the vehicle’s overall performance is negligible at best.

PHEVs are a different story altogether. Built with larger batteries and motors than traditional HEVs, PHEVs know how to make the most of their electric reserves. The most noticeable difference between a PHEV, HEV, and gas-powered vehicle comes down to acceleration. The instant torque afforded by a PHEV’s large electric motor means that drivers will enjoy improved acceleration. PHEVs might not have the same lightning-fast acceleration as fully electric vehicles, but they certainly provide a little more excitement than your run-of-the-mill hybrid.

Range

When it comes to range, PHEVs have HEVs firmly beat. That shouldn’t be too surprising as an HEV’s battery is only designed to supplement––not replace––the vehicle’s gas engine. Still, it’s an important consideration when you’re trying to decide between the two options. Depending on the design, the typical HEV can only operate in electric-only mode for a few miles, if at all, before the gas engine kicks in, whereas many PHEVs can travel for over 30 miles without tapping the gas.

Efficiency

Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to alternative fuel vehicles, so how do HEV and PHEV models compare? That question is a little tricky to answer, given that many PHEVs can operate for some 30 to 50 miles before calling the gas engine into action, but we’ll do our best. Generally speaking, traditional hybrids are actually slightly more efficient than a PHEV running on gasoline, so if you don’t plan to recharge often, a PHEV might not give you the returns you are expecting. However, if you maximize a PHEV’s all-electric range and recharge whenever possible, it will be a considerably more efficient option.

Cost

Thanks to their larger batteries and motors, PHEVs will almost always cost more than comparable HEVs. How much more depends on the make and model, but generally speaking, expect to pay several thousand dollars extra. But sticker price isn’t everything when it comes to cost. When you factor in gas and maintenance costs, driving a PHEV could well end up being the cheaper option, depending on how much you can take advantage of its electric range.

We Are Here to Help You Learn More About EV Ownership!

Today’s HEVs and PHEVs––along with fully electric BEVs––represent an exciting new era of personal transportation. Still, if you’re looking to find the best fit for your own unique driving needs, it’s important to learn the differences between each design. As electric vehicles continue to evolve, HEVs might seem a little old-fashioned, but they’re still a great choice for drivers seeking the same sort of flexibility offered by traditional gas-powered vehicles. PHEVs offer improved efficiency and longer all-electric range, but plug-in models cost more than traditional hybrids.

Whether you’re in the market for an HEV, PHEV, or BEV, Faricy Automotive is here to help you learn more about EV ownership. Our team of experienced, friendly sales staff has helped countless drivers navigate the world of alternative fuel vehicles, providing our customers with all the information they need to make an informed choice. The Faricy Boys has been a trusted partner for local drivers seeking new cars, trucks, and SUVs for generations, and we’re doing everything in our power to ensure that partnership continues for years to come, no matter what type of fuel your vehicle takes. From knowledgeable sales associates who can answer all your EV questions to a team of expert service technicians who are up to date on the latest in hybrid and EV technology, Faricy Automotive is here every step of the way!