Electric Cars vs. Plug-In Hybrids — What to Know
- Fully electric vehicles (EVs) rely on battery packs and use no gasoline. EV drivers charge the battery at home or public charging stations.
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) use battery power to drive shorter distances, often around 30 to 40 miles. When the electric motor depletes the battery pack, a gas-powered engine takes over.
- Some buyers may be eligible for federal tax credits when purchasing an EV or PHEV.
If you’re trying to choose a new or used car and deciding between a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versus a battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) to determine which is right for you, this is the place to start.
Both types of cars include plug types that use electrical outlets for battery recharging. But there are also hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), which do not use a plug-in device. This article addresses only plug-in hybrids and EVs.
We have researched the benefits and drawbacks to answer your essential questions. Read on to find out more.
- Differences Between Plug-In Hybrids and Electric Cars
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Cars
- Pros and Cons of Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
- Tax Credits and Other Incentives
PHEV vs. EV: What’s the Difference?
Before we cover the benefits and drawbacks of plug-in hybrid cars versus electric cars, we must understand the vehicle types.
Hybrid cars are powered by both gasoline and electricity. Most hybrids have a standard 12-volt battery like conventional gas-powered cars but also have higher-voltage battery packs. Those cells capture and redistribute energy as needed to help the vehicle burn less gas and achieve better fuel economy. They do not use plugs. This article focuses on plug-in hybrids detailed below.
Plug-in hybrid cars are exactly what their name suggests: They’re hybrid cars that plug into an electrical outlet. Examples include the Lexus RX450h+, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and the Ford Escape PHEV. Essentially, plug-in vehicles use two different powertrains, both of which can drive the wheels. An electric motor allows drivers to go a limited distance (typically between 30 and 40 miles, depending on the vehicle). When the battery that feeds the electric motor is drained of power, a gasoline-powered engine kicks in.
On the other hand, electric vehicles are powered solely by electricity, meaning they don’t use gasoline. Well-known electric cars include the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and the Tesla Model S. Electric vehicles get their power from batteries, which feed an electric motor. The difference is that EVs have no backup engine to take over when the batteries run out of juice. Usually, they have more room for batteries since they don’t have to make space for the gasoline engine. That means fully electric cars offer a more extended electric-only range than plug-in hybrids.
Which Is More Efficient: An Electric Vehicle or a Plug-In Hybrid?
We would give the nod to plug-in hybrids as the more efficient in terms of convenience (saving time). Additionally, PHEVs are easier to live with, and their smaller batteries require wasting fewer natural resources to build. If your primary concern is burning less oil over a vehicle’s lifetime and producing zero emissions through the tailpipe, EVs win.
How Do I Choose Between a PHEV and an EV?
Picking between an EV and a PHEV boils down to your lifestyle and commitment to electric-only driving. At the end of the day, EVs and PHEVs reduce oil consumption and expel fewer toxic emissions than traditional hybrids (HEVs), or vehicles propelled solely by a combustion engine.
EVs tend to have higher purchase prices than PHEVs and can only drive a fixed distance (usually between 250 and 350 miles) without needing to charge. On the other hand, many PHEVs can travel short (25 to 50 miles) distances on electric-only power before the combustion engine kicks in. This is plenty of electric range in most cases for daily errand running or work commutes. Yet, the combustion engine can complete much longer driving tasks or road trips without the time-consuming task of recharging the battery.
RELATED: Electric Car vs. Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Car: Which Is Best for You?
Electric Cars: Pros and Cons
Electric vehicles offer several advantages over plug-in hybrids.
Electric Car Benefits
- The main attraction for some buyers is that electric vehicles benefit the environment more than plug-in hybrids. EVs don’t use any gasoline at all. That’s a big deal for shoppers looking to minimize their carbon footprint as much as possible.
- Electric vehicles may help drivers save more money than plug-in hybrids since EVs don’t use gas. Most charging happens overnight at home, though EV owners usually must pay at public charging stations.
- Electric cars are fun to drive. The rise in popularity has a lot to do with their incredible acceleration. For example, the base 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range touts a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. You will not understand the thrill of experiencing low-end torque like that until you drive one of these vehicles in complete silence.
Electric Car Disadvantages
- Electric cars cost more upfront than similar PHEV models.
- Another downside to all-electric cars is the range. Depending on the model, some plug-in hybrids can travel up to 60 miles on electric power plus another 500 miles using a full tank of gasoline. The fully electric 2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus can get up to an EPA-estimated 212 miles on a single charge. The 2024 Tesla Model S gets up to 405 miles from a full battery. While the range of electric cars is sufficient for daily use for most drivers, a PHEV might be better for long-distance road trips or weekend getaways.
- Also, weather can affect range, and there’s no backup gas engine to rely on like a PHEV.
- In an electric car, you must carefully plan your trip and stop longer to recharge, compared to a quick gas fill-up. However, the technology in electric car batteries continues to improve capacity and recharge times. Plus, the increasing availability of charging stations makes it easier for EV owners to travel away from home.
RELATED ARTICLE: Buying an Electric Car: Tips You Need
Plug-In Hybrids: Pros and Cons
Of course, plug-in hybrid cars also offer advantages and disadvantages.
PHEV Pros
- The primary benefit of a PHEV is range. Electric vehicles can only travel as far as their batteries allow before recharging. Plug-in hybrids also have a gasoline engine and an electric powertrain. The result is that plug-in drivers get the best of both worlds. They get electric-vehicle efficiency around town and traditional car range for longer trips.
- Also, the price of a plug-in hybrid is usually less than electric-only cars. However, the price of a regular hybrid vehicle is typically thousands less than the plug-in variety.
PHEV Cons
- Regarding disadvantages, a plug-in has a limited “electric-only” range — up to 60 miles in today’s offerings.
- Compared to an electric car, you still have the operating cost of paying for gas, although much less than a gas-only vehicle. The cost can be a decisive factor in the fight between electric cars versus plug-in hybrids.
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Is There a Tax Credit for Electric Cars?
If your primary purpose for buying a new car with a fuel-efficient focus is gas-pump savings and tax rebates, no problem. Both plug-in hybrids and electric cars will benefit you. Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 apply to eligible new PHEVs and EVs and up to $4,000 for used, as do available state tax credits. Even states offering alternative-fuel carpool lanes tend to allow plug-in hybrids and EVs to use them with single occupants.
MORE: Is Buying a Used Electric Vehicle a Good Idea?
In other words, you can’t go wrong when deciding between plug-in hybrids versus electric cars. You’ll have to decide on the best option for your situation.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was initially published.
In 2023 I bought a 2024 BMW X5 PHEV. The electric range is about 42 miles per charge. I drive less than 30 miles per day so its range is perfect for me. There is plenty of power on just electric mode but for more fun, with the inline 6 it has 480+ hp. It’s perfect in the city.
All the EV myths are in these comments. Some need to do a little research. Batteries now last well beyond 200K miles. Most will outlast the cars they’re installed in. 90 mile per day commute? Almost all EV’s now have well over 200 miles of range – even in hot or colder temps.
I’ve also heard and read that, if something goes wrong with the battery system, you can’t even use the gas engine due to how the ECU handles that type of issue and just makes the vehicle inoperable. Has anyone else heard that?
Thank you
Brian
Need to consider the 15% to 18% increase for auto insurance on electric vehicles, apposed to gas vehicles. The grid is not ready for everyone to have EV’s. The loss of battery charge being impacted by extreme heat in the south and cold weather in the north. Sorry, I am not sold on EV or hybrid, I live in a southern state where temperatures are in the 100’s, plus the cost to replace the battery. My last vehicle lasted well over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. EV’s are not practical for those that drive 90 miles a day to commute to work and home. Yes, I chose not to live in the city where the crime and cost of living is out of control.
This was a valid and legitimately relevant comment until you had to throw in a completely unnecessary “oh the evil, dangerous, expensive big city” dig at the end. Neither has any bearing on ev range, and putting it out there like that undermines your legitimate reasons why evs may not be for you and turns it into just another culture war luddite fight. Very disappointing you undermined your own credibility like that
Totally agree with you .
I’m a Tesla model y long range owner. Buying one currently comes with up to a 10000 rebate from Maryland and federal government . Tesla also is offering 6 months of free charging. So far the charging stations are plentiful along major highways and the car identifies them on your trip. Love this car!