Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles: How They Compare
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) each have their own benefits. Whether you’re going green or just looking to save on gas, understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your driving needs and lifestyle.
Key takeaways
- Hybrid vehicles (combined gasoline and electric motors) may be best if you want great mileage without needing to plug in your car.
- Plug-in hybrids (with a plug-in electric motor and a gas engine for back-up) may be best if you want an electric car but need a gasoline option for long trips.
- Electric vehicles (battery-powered electric motors only) may be best if you want zero emissions and have access to a good network of charging stations.
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles: The basics
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles all use electricity to help them run more efficiently and reduce pollution compared to regular cars.
The major differences are:
- Regular hybrids use both a gas engine and a small electric motor.
- Plug-in hybrids have a bigger battery that you can charge for longer electric-only driving.
- Electric vehicles run entirely on electricity with no gas engine at all.
| Hybrid vehicles | PHEVs | EVs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How they run | Gas-powered (internal combustion) engine and electric motor | Battery, electric motor, gas-powered (internal combustion) engine | Battery and electric motor |
| How they’re charged | Regenerative braking and engine | Regenerative braking or charger (120 V, 240 V or direct current [DC]) | Charger (120 V, 240 V or DC fast charger) |
| Price range | $20,000 to $100,000 | $30,000 to $100,000 | $30,000 to $100,000 |
| Electric mileage | Fully electric driving for short distances and at low speeds. | Fully electric driving for 20 to 40 miles | Fully electric driving for 150 to 400 miles, depending on type of charger and charging time |
| Maintenance | Routine engine maintenance with minimal upkeep for electrical systems and brakes | Routine engine maintenance with minimal upkeep for electrical systems and brakes | Less maintenance than others |
Hybrid vehicles
Hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor, offering the benefits of high fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions, but with the power and range of conventional cars.
Instead of plugging into a charger, regenerative braking captures and reuses energy normally lost during braking. This extends the vehicle’s range and makes it more energy efficient.
There are two main types of hybrids: mild and full. Here’s what to know about each type:
Mild hybrids, or micro hybrids, use the electric motor and battery to assist the gasoline engine. This lets the gas engine shut off briefly at traffic lights or during stop-and-go rush-hour traffic. They rely solely on the gasoline engine for longer freeway trips.
Full hybrids are equipped with larger batteries and more powerful motors, which can run on electricity alone for short distances and at lower speeds. They also offer improved fuel efficiency for longer drives. But like mild hybrids, full hybrids rely on the gasoline engine for extended trips.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fewer emissions, more environmentally friendly Spend less on gas over time No need to plug in conventional hybrid vehicles | With their gasoline engines, hybrid vehicles still have some emissions They don’t usually qualify for federal tax credits Mild hybrids can’t drive on electricity alone |
Plug-in hybrid vehicles
Like standard hybrids, PHEVs use both a gas engine and a battery-powered electric motor. The key differences are the larger battery and the need to recharge it by plugging into a power source.
If you drive a PHEV without regularly plugging it in, it will have similar fuel efficiency to a conventional hybrid. But by charging the battery, you can make short trips using only electricity — usually between 20 and 40 miles, depending on the model.
A PHEV’s gasoline engine acts as a backup power source, making sure you can drive even with a low or dead battery. This flexibility makes PHEVs suitable for both short and long trips.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
May qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500 Can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, depending on the model Saves on fuel costs by reducing reliance on gasoline | For maximum benefit, PHEVs need to be plugged in regularly to recharge the battery At-home recharging equipment typically costs $500-$4,000 before installation and rebates Replacing the battery can run $1,000 to $6,000 before labor costs |
Electric vehicles
An EV, or battery electric vehicle (BEV), operates on electricity alone, powered by an electric motor and battery. EVs have no tailpipe emissions, making them the best choice environmentally.
An EV’s driving range depends on its battery size, generally running 150 to 400 miles, but they still don’t match the long-distance range of gasoline cars.
But even though they may cost more upfront than a gas car, the long-term cost benefits are significant. The simpler engine and fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance costs. Also, electricity for an EV is cheaper than buying gas for a regular car.
Before you buy an EV, make sure to consider your area’s electric vehicle infrastructure so that you don’t run into recharging problems.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Drivers may qualify for the EV tax credit Electric-only power means no tail emissions Limited maintenance required | Stop-and-go traffic can reduce driving range No backup power source if the battery dies Limited number of charging stations in some areas |
Electric vehicle vs. hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid: Which is right for you?
Choosing the right car usually comes down to looking at your driving needs and what you can afford. With hybrids and EVs, you’ll also probably consider how your car impacts the environment.
- An electric vehicle is the greenest option, but long trips will be difficult, and you’ll want to think about how you’ll recharge it.
- A regular hybrid (either mild or full) has the convenience of a gas engine for long-distance driving, though that means you’ll still need to pay for gas as well.
- A plug-in hybrid provides the benefits of both, but you’ll need to charge it regularly to get the most out of the electric engine.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to get by with little (or no) gas, compared to a regular gasoline vehicle — even as gas-vehicle mileage for all cars continues to improve.
Once you decide which you want, check out our guides on how to buy a car and how to finance your car, as well as our list of best auto loan lenders.
Frequently asked questions
Hybrid cars are often worthwhile for reducing fuel costs and emissions. They offer an efficient alternative without making the full switch to an electric vehicle that you’ll need to recharge regularly.
Fewer hybrids may be on the road due to their usually higher purchase price and sometimes expensive maintenance costs compared to fully electric vehicles.
No, you don’t need to plug in a standard hybrid car. However, PHEVs do require plugging in to recharge.
Electric vehicles are a good choice if you want the most eco-friendly option or most long-term cost savings by ditching gasoline completely.