Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Comparing hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vehicles before your next upgrade? You’re not alone: both types of vehicles are becoming more popular with the drives of Providence and East Greenwich, and for good reason. Both hybrids and plug-in hybrids run on a combination of gas and electric power, and both options consume less fuel than traditional gas-powered vehicles.

More to the point—what’s better: a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid? The truth is that either choice can be the right one. You just have to decide which of these two options is right for you! We’ve laid out everything you need to know to get started.

Hybrids vs. Plug-In Hybrids: The Basics

“Hybrid” generally refers to one specific type of hybrid—the Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV. With this kind of hybrid, the engine and the electric motor are both turned on when you start the vehicle: both power sources work constantly to move you forward as you drive.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs, work a little bit differently. This kind of hybrid can be driven in multiple different modes: EV mode, in which you only use electric power; Hybrid mode, in which both power sources operate together; and gas-only mode—the setting that kicks in if and when you run out of electric power.

What’s Better: A Hybrid or a Plug-In Hybrid?

As we’ve already noted, there isn’t really a bad option when you’re comparing hybrids vs. plug-in hybrids. The most crucial question concerns whether or not you’d like to drive a vehicle that needs to be charged up via an electric power source. HEVs don’t ever need to be plugged in. You just need to fill up with gas. PHEVs need to be charged up in order to operate efficiently. If you don’t charge your PHEV, it runs just like a traditional gas-powered vehicle.

Let’s dive a little deeper to find the option that’s right for you:

Reasons to Choose a Hybrid

1. If you want to help the environment without changing the way you drive or refuel, a hybrid is a great option.
2. Hybrid vehicles are still slightly more expensive than gas-powered vehicles. However, an HEV is usually less expensive than a PHEV.

Reasons to Choose a Plug-In Hybrid

1. It’s possible to own a plug-in hybrid, drive every day, and never use any gasoline at all. You’ll just need to remember to charge up at night, and stay in electric mode during the day.
2. Owning a plug-in hybrid is a great way to get ready for the experience of owning an electric car. You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to drive without gas, but you won’t have to deal with any range anxiety as you drive around Cranston.

Find Your New PHEV at Mercedes-Benz of Warwick

Should you choose a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid? You really can’t go wrong either way! Now that you understand how hybrids and plug-in hybrids relate to one another, you might also want to compare hybrids vs. electric cars. Our dealership currently offers a line of electric vehicles from Mercedes-EQ, and we’d love to help you learn more about the benefits offered by these vehicles.