A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) has a gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor (I.e., battery) that both work in tandem to run the car. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have the same setup: a gas engine and an electric motor. However, they’re equipped with a larger battery and motor that work independently from the gas engine to power the car.
Plug-in hybrids tend to be more expensive than hybrid vehicles. The added flexibility and convenience of using all-electric power for short drives while still being able to rely on the gasoline engine comes with an added cost.
Traditional hybrid vehicles work by tapping into the internal combustion engine and an electric motor simultaneously to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Consider factors including charging availability, budget, environmental concerns, and commute length when deciding between the two.