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This has an effect on ride quality, with plug-in hybrids often feeling heavier and harsher than purely internal-combustion-engined vehicles, especially on poorer roads. Because plug-in hybrids effectively have two different powertrains, they weigh more than conventional cars. And when it comes to longer trips, you don’t have to worry about the batteries running out, as the car automatically switches to the internal-combustion engine. But many UK motorists' daily commutes and errands could easily be done in electric mode. With a PHEV, as mentioned above, the internal-combustion engine takes over from the electric motor when the battery runs down. Many looking to switch to an electric car may be worried about how far they can get in a pure-electric car and the time it takes to recharge the batteries fully. Plug-in hybrids address one of the big concerns buyers have about electric vehicles, which is battery range. Advantages and disadvantages of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)

This can happen if the electric motor is too cold or too hot, or when features that draw a lot of power such as the heater or air-conditioning are turned on. However, the battery doesn’t have to be empty for the engine to come on. Some of the more recently launched models, such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE plug-ins, stretch this range to over 50 miles or more. Usually, the electric motor does all the driving at slower speeds, until the battery runs out or you call for a level of speed and acceleration where the combustion engine’s additional power is required.ĭriven gently, PHEVs can typically run for 20 to 30 miles or more on electric power, after which the internal-combustion engine takes over. Plug-ins also feature an internal-combustion engine, which is usually a petrol, but can sometimes be a diesel, as in the case of the Mercedes E-Class hybrid.Ī PHEV's battery is charged from the grid, meaning you need to plug the vehicle into either a regular domestic socket, a home wallbox or a public charging point. The Renault Captur E-TECH plug-in, for example, has a 9.8kWh battery. Plug-in hybrids generally have a battery connected to an electric motor, with the battery being larger than what you get in a 'full hybrid, but smaller than what you get in a purely electric car. The main practical difference between them and battery-electric vehicles is that they can keep driving after their battery is fully depleted, relying on the internal-combustion engine alone to turn the wheels.

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PHEVs occupy a middle ground between battery-electric vehicles and full hybrids.

These can operate independently or combined, but the plug-in's larger batteries allow the motor to be used for much longer distances – typically 20 to 30 miles or more, compared to only a mile or two for a non-plug-in. Unlike 'full' hybrids, though, they need to be plugged in to charge on a regular basis in order to operate as intended.īoth non-plug-in and plug-in hybrids use an electric motor and combustion engine to drive the car. Just like other types of hybrid, plug-in hybrids combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. Here, we're going to explain the differences and similarities between plug-in hybrids and the other types of hybrid car, which are hybrids (sometimes called 'full hybrids' or abbreviated to 'HEV', for 'hybrid electric vehicle’) and mild hybrids (sometimes abbreviated to 'MHEV', for 'mild hybrid electric vehicle'). But with some of the best plug-in hybrids now claiming over 50 miles of electric range, is a PHEV the best hybrid type for your needs? As with any type of hybrid, they have advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not quite ready to make the switch to driving a fully electric car, you may be looking at a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as something of a best-of-both-worlds solution.