What's the Difference Between a Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid?

If you’ve been shopping for a new car lately, you’ve probably noticed that more and more manufacturers are offering hybrid and electric cars, SUVs, and even trucks. A newer type of hybrid vehicle is the plug-in hybrid, which might leave you scratching your head. What’s the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles? While all new Lexus hybrid vehicles combine gasoline and electric power for the benefits of both, each type of hybrid has its own unique benefits.

Basically, conventional hybrid vehicles work like normal, gasoline-powered models—you fill up at the pump, and the car employs its gas engine to charge its electric battery, which can kick in to help with the gas mileage. In contrast, a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, has a gas tank and a wall outlet so that you can charge your PHEV at home. Each drive starts with all-electric power, then switches to gas only when necessary—and on standard commutes to Broken Arrow, you might not use gasoline at all. Learn more about the differences between hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vehicles below.

Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid: Benefits of Hybrid Models

One benefit of a conventional hybrid is its familiar, intuitive driving feel. As you drive around Owasso and the surrounding areas, your hybrid Lexus will be powered by its gas engine and electric motor simultaneously, improving your fuel economy and charging your battery as you drive.

Traditional hybrids offer the benefit of improved fuel economy over gasoline-only vehicles, without needing to worry about stopping and recharging the battery. For some Bixby drivers, this is a huge advantage: a hybrid model lets you drive more efficiently without disrupting your current driving habits.

Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid: Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid Models

While plug-in hybrids also employ both a gasoline engine and electric motor on Owasso drives, they differ from conventional hybrid models in how they use their different types of power. A PHEV is usually plugged in at night to charge, then runs primarily on battery power until it’s drained. After that, the gasoline engine takes over until the battery is recharged.

Put another way, while conventional hybrid vehicles have two power sources working together, PHEVs are all-electric, then all-gasoline. When shopping for a PHEV, look for its electric range, which will tell you how far it can go on battery power alone. If that’s far enough for your Broken Arrow commute or other common trips, you’ll be fine. However, if you regularly drive farther than that, you may want to consider a traditional hybrid.

That being said, there are serious advantages to opting for a plug-in hybrid over a hybrid. Plug-in hybrids can save you money and the environment if you mostly run errands around town, since you’ll only use battery power on those trips. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle that doesn’t leave you with range anxiety, a PHEV is a great middle ground.

Find Your Efficient New Ride With Lexus of Tulsa

Now that you know the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, you’re ready to find your next Tulsa Lexus! Shop with the expert team at Lexus of Tulsa to browse our new Lexus hybrid models, as well as our new vehicle specials and financing offers. Contact us today to learn more about your new hybrid Lexus!