Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: What's the Difference?

If you’re looking to upgrade your gas-powered vehicle for a hybrid or electric vehicle, you may be wondering about the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Knowing the difference helps many Newark drivers choose the car that’s right for their driving needs. Learn how these two premium vehicles compare, then explore our current inventory to find the model that’s best suited for taking on your commute and weekend adventures. Get pre-approved for financing right at home, and don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions.

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

While hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of gas engines and electric motors, hybrid and plug-in hybrids offer unique perks. But, what’s the difference between the two? Conventional hybrids use gas and electric power simultaneously and rely on the gas engines to keep their medium-sized batteries charged.

A plug-in hybrid uses a larger battery that’s charged through a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charging unit. These hybrids start each driving using pure electric power and switch to gas when needed. Let’s compare your options even further below!

Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid: Benefits of Hybrid Models

Hybrid vehicles are intuitive. While you’re driving through the Middletown area, your car can be powered by a gas engine and an electric motor simultaneously. This improves fuel economy, allowing you to use your gas engine to recharge your battery while driving.

Drivers will benefit from improved mpg since they don’t have to stop and recharge their vehicle’s battery, which is a significant advantage for some drivers since they can drive more efficiently without disrupting their current driving habits.

Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid: Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid Models

Plug-in hybrid vehicles also work with a gas engine and electric motor, but how the energy is deployed differs from conventional hybrid models. A plug-in hybrid primarily runs on its battery-powered motor, but the gas engine takes over once the battery is drained.

The plug-in hybrid is treating the gas engine as a backup plan instead of the two power sources working together. The distance the car can travel while only operating on the battery is known as the vehicle’s electric range. Once that limit is reached, your car must get plugged in to regain the battery power.

If you’re interested in going the environmentally friendly route, the plug-in hybrid may be the vehicle for you. However, since you can pre-charge your car, many plug-in hybrids offer the range needed to run errands around West Chester, PA just on battery power.

Test Drive Your Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid Today!

Now that you know the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, we want to help get you behind the driver’s seat of the model that’s right for your driving needs and lifestyle. Contact our team to learn more, visit our finance experts for your leasing and financing options, or schedule your test drive today!