Difference Between Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid

If you’re a Wheeling driver who’s been in the market for a new vehicle and decided to pull the trigger on a Honda hybrid or EV, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint by lowering emissions, which is always worth a mention. If you know you want a hybrid but have been hesitant about moving forward, maybe it’s because you’re not 100% confident about some of the terms and specs that make up the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

We’ll keep it simple for you. A standard hybrid vehicle uses gas and electricity together and relies on a gas engine to keep a medium-sized battery charged. A plug-in hybrid uses a larger battery that uses a 120-volt residential outlet or a 240-volt charging unit. Plug-in hybrids start using electric power and switch to gas when necessary.

When traveling through Moundsville, your hybrid is powered by a gas engine and electric motor simultaneously. This does amazing things for your fuel efficiency and gives the gas engine a chance to charge the battery as you drive. The primary benefits of a standard hybrid model are the improved fuel economy and the lack of having to stop and charge the vehicle. For many Steubenville drivers, this is a major advantage because of the lack of disruption during extended periods of driving. If you typically would drive consecutive miles without much interference, a hybrid would allow you to continue with this same driving pattern.

Plug-in hybrids also work with gasoline engines and electric motors, but the function is different than the standard hybrid. A plug-in hybrid relies heavily on the battery-powered electric motor during your commute. When the battery exhausts its power supply, the gas engine takes over as the primary driving force. Unlike the standard hybrid, the gas engine and electric motor don’t work together. Instead, the gasoline engine is a backup source of fuel. The distance you’re able to operate using only the battery is called your electric range. Once your range expires, you must plug your hybrid in to regain battery power. If you want a model that truly puts an exclamation point to the impact (or lack thereof) you’re leaving on the environment, a plug-in hybrid is probably the wiser choice. Because you have the option of pre-charging your vehicle, many plug-in hybrids furnish enough power for you to run simple errands around town without burning any gasoline.

At Straub Honda of Triadelphia, we understand the urgency some people have when it comes to switching to a hybrid. That’s why we keep a selection of fantastic hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and even fuel-efficient used cars for you to choose from. Contact us to schedule a test drive or if you have any further questions about making the switch to electric!