The plug-in electric vehicle has become a popular part of the market thanks to its practicality and environmentally friendly design. It’s an excellent alternative to gas-only vehicles, but many people are still unsure about how a plug-in hybrid vehicle works.
If you’re considering a plug-in hybrid, you need to know what separates it from a traditional vehicle and if you can rely on it to meet your expectations every day.
What Is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle?
If you’re wondering what exactly a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is, its description fits the title. The plug-in hybrid vehicle, or PHEV, is a car with both an electric battery and gas tank. It uses electricity until the battery starts to run low, after which the gas tank supplies fuel to the engine. This makes it more eco-friendly and efficient than fully gas-powered cars.
While gas-powered vehicle sales still dominate the market, plug-in hybrids have become more common since their debut in 2010. In 2018, over 350,000 plug-in cars sold in the U.S.
How Does a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Work?
Some of the components that make the plug-in hybrid electric car stand out include:
- Battery
- Charging port
- AC/DC converter
- Electric motor
- Gasoline tank
- Internal combustion engine
- Power electronics controller
With the charging port, you can charge the vehicle’s battery and drive to work or the store without using any gas. The gasoline in the tank remains in storage, only powering the engine during fast acceleration or when the battery is depleted. The electrical components also have excellent torque, which gives these vehicles an advantage in speed and maneuverability.
Plug-In Hybrid Charging
One of the main plug-in hybrid vehicle benefits is that it has a charging port you can use to replenish the car’s battery from any outlet or charging station. Depending on the size of your battery and the station you use, it could take anywhere from three to eight hours to fully charge the vehicle.
Many businesses offer charging stations where you can plug in your hybrid. You may also choose to install a 240-volt charging station at your own at home.
Plug-In Hybrid Driving Range
While electric batteries typically deplete more quickly than gasoline, plug-in hybrids have amazing fuel economy and emissions specifications. Their driving range is wide enough to ensure you can handle day-to-day tasks without stopping and charging.
The energy efficiency offered by plug-in hybrids is also impressive, with manufacturers constantly improving the miles per gallon ratio.
Differences Between Plug-In Hybrids and Other Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The main difference between plug-in hybrids and regular electric vehicles is that PHEVs have both a gas tank and electric battery, while EVs run only on electricity. Hybrids require more maintenance because they use an internal combustion engine, but they continue to meet high safety and functionality standards.
EVs are also eco-friendly and save you money on gas, while plug-in hybrids have a greater driving range, allowing you to take longer trips without stopping to recharge. The efficiency and flexibility plug-in hybrids offer provide an advantage to many drivers. The most popular EV cars are the Tesla car models, Tesla’s can average up to 340 miles on a single charge.
Plug-in electric vehicles are safe, reliable alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars. To learn more or request an EV home charging installation in Raleigh, call or contact Wiretech Company online today.