Plug-In Hybrid Cars Explained
Plug-in hybrid cars, often referred to as PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a larger battery. This allows them to drive on electric power for shorter journeys, while still using petrol or diesel power for longer trips.
Plug-in hybrids sit between full hybrids and electric only (BEV) cars. They offer more electric driving capability than other hybrid types, which can help improve fuel economy on everyday journeys, but unlike electric cars, they do not rely solely on battery power for all driving.
How Plug-In Hybrid Technology Works
A plug-in hybrid uses a combined powertrain that can operate in different ways depending on driving conditions and battery charge.
At lower speeds and during short journeys, the car can run in electric mode, using energy stored in the battery to provide electric-only driving. This can significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel use during town driving and daily commutes.
When more power is needed, or when the battery charge runs low, the system automatically switches to hybrid driving, where the electric motor and combustion engine work together. For longer distances, the combustion engine takes over, allowing you to continue driving without stopping and plugging into a charger.
This flexibility allows plug-in hybrids to adapt to a wide range of driving conditions.
Electric Range and Everyday Use
The electric range of a plug-in hybrid depends on battery size, driving style, and conditions. Manufacturers publish official figures, but real-world electric range can vary.
For drivers who regularly make short trips, a plug-in hybrid can complete many journeys using electric power alone, helping improve fuel economy and reduce fuel consumption. For longer trips, the petrol/diesel engine provides reassurance and flexibility, without the need to plan every journey around charging.
Charging a Plug-In Hybrid
Unlike self-charging hybrids or mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids are designed to be charged regularly. Charging can be done at home using a wall box or standard socket, or at public charging points.
Regular charging is what allows plug-in hybrids to deliver the best fuel efficiency and the lowest running costs. If a plug-in hybrid is not charged, it will still operate as a hybrid vehicle, but electric-only driving will be limited to what can be recovered from regenerative braking, and fuel consumption is likely to increase.
Plug-in Hybrid vs Other Electrified Vehicles
Plug-in hybrids are one of several electrified vehicle options available.
Mild hybrids provide limited electrical assistance to support the engine, but cannot drive on electric power alone.
Full hybrids can drive on electric power at lower speeds and recharge their batteries automatically while driving.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can complete longer journeys in electric-only mode vs full hybrids, but require external charging to deliver their full fuel efficiency and running cost benefits.
Electric cars run entirely on battery power and must be charged for all journeys.
Choosing the Right Type of Hybrid
New cars with a Plug-in hybrid powertrain can suit drivers who make frequent short journeys and have reliable access to charging at home or work. In these conditions, they can offer strong fuel economy and lower running costs compared with traditional petrol/diesel vehicles.
For drivers who prefer not to plug in, full hybrid systems provide electric driving benefits without the need for charging.
At KGM, our hybrid SUV range focuses on full hybrid systems that deliver improved fuel efficiency and electric driving at lower speeds, while remaining simple to own and easy to live with, the best of both worlds.