PHEVs for Dummies: Plug-In Hybrid Pros and Cons + Video

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your fuel bill but aren’t yet ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle (EV), a “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” (PHEV) could be a great option – but they aren’t suitable for everyone. But have you ever wondered, “What the heck is a PHEV” in the first place? Well we’re here to demystify them and to explain the technology in the most straightforward way possible so you can decide if a plug-in hybrid is right for you.

What is a PHEV?

A PHEV has both a big battery and a gas engine, so as long as there’s gas in the tank, you’re good to drive. You can and should plug it in to charge because it will allow you to drive on battery power alone and dramatically improve your fuel economy, but you don’t actually need to charge it, because when the battery runs out the vehicle will operate pretty much like a traditional gas-powered one. A PHEV can drive on battery power alone, on gas power, or using a combination of both. Some PHEVs can only drive a dozen kilometres on battery power alone before the gas engine kicks in, while others can go as far as 70 km.

What’s the Difference Between a Hybrid and a Plug-In Hybrid?

A regular hybrid also has a gas engine but a smaller battery than a PHEV. Because of the smaller battery, regular hybrids can’t drive on battery power alone unless you’re parking or coasting. A PHEV can drive on battery power alone for longer periods and at higher speeds, even on the highway. 

You cannot plug a regular hybrid in to charge — some automakers call these “self-charging” hybrids because the battery is charged by the gas engine and regenerative braking as you drive. Most people will buy hybrids for fuss-free improved fuel economy that doesn’t require input or decision-making from the driver.

Pros of PHEVs

Fuel Savings: The biggest reason to consider a PHEV is the fuel savings that come with being able to drive on electric power without needing to adapt your whole lifestyle. If you can charge it as often as possible at home or work, you could conceivably do all your errands on battery power and not burn a single drop of fuel until you need to go on a longer trip. Some PHEV drivers who charge as often as possible report that they only fill up at the gas station once a month or even less.

Performance: Not all PHEVs are the slow or boring economy cars you might be thinking of. Many automakers are using PHEV powertrains to boost both performance and fuel economy – two things that don’t typically go together. In PHEVs, you get an extra boost of instant electric power without needing to wait for an engine or turbocharger, and with minimal impact on gas consumption.

Variety: These days, there’s a PHEV for every type of driver. Whether you need a sedan, truck, minivan, SUV, or even a luxury or performance car, you have options.

HOV Lanes: If parts of the country that issue green licence plates or specialized stickers to PHEVs, you’re allowed to use the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways even if you’re the only person in the car.

Government Incentives: Many PHEVs are eligible for government incentives and tax rebates, which help make them more affordable. Dealerships can apply for these incentives on your behalf, which is one less thing for you to think about.

No Range Anxiety: With fully electric vehicles, some people are worried about getting stranded when the battery runs out and they can’t find a charger. With a PHEV, however, there’s no range anxiety because once the battery runs out, there’s a gas engine to keep you going, and as long as there’s gas in the tank, you can’t get stranded. A Toyota RAV4 PHEV, for example, has about 68 km of EV range, and with a full charge, a full tank of gas, and a gentle right foot, it can drive about 980 km before needing to stop at a gas station.

No Special Charging Equipment Needed: Every PHEV comes with a charger, so you don’t need to buy or install any special equipment to charge a PHEV. If you have a regular 110-volt household outlet at home, you can typically charge a PHEV’s battery to 100 per cent in five to six hours. You can plug it in overnight during off-peak hours and wake up to a fully charged PHEV.

Cons of PHEVs

Only Makes Sense if You Keep it Charged: A plug-in hybrid only makes sense if you can keep it charged as often as possible to maximize the time you spend driving on battery power before the gas engine kicks in. If you can’t charge at home, it doesn’t make sense to consider buying a PHEV. 

Not for Long Commutes: A PHEV also doesn’t make sense if you have a long daily commute. Many PHEVs don’t get amazing fuel economy unless the battery is charged, so the benefits are minimal if your commute is longer than the battery range provided.

Still Requires Maintenance: Unlike fully electric vehicles, PHEVs still require oil changes and all the maintenance regular gas cars require because they still have traditional gas engines, transmissions, etc. It’s a lot of added complexity that’s only worth it if you use a PHEV in the way it was intended.

Price: PHEVs are more expensive than comparable hybrids and their traditional gas-powered counterparts. While they’re still more affordable than full EVs, if you’re not charging it as much as possible, the gas savings won’t be there to help offset the price premium.

Final Thoughts

Like fully electric vehicles, PHEVs won’t make sense for everyone. If you’re shopping for a PHEV, look for one with a lot of electric range and ensure you’re charging it as much as possible to maximize the time you drive on battery power. If you can’t plug it in to charge daily, the hard truth is that you might be better off with a traditional hybrid or gas-powered vehicle.