What is the Difference Between Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Cars?

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E at Charging Station

 

While both hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are environmentally friendly and efficient options that use both gasoline and electricity, they aren’t the same. Conventional hybrid vehicles use gas and electric power at the same time and rely on their gas engines to charge their medium-sized batteries. On the other hand, a plug-in hybrid is equipped with a larger battery that is charged through a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charging unit like an all-electric model. They also use electric power first before switching to gas when the electric power is out. Find out more in the following hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid guide!

 

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

Many Troy drivers who want to easily enjoy the perks of electric performance without changing their driving habits much would gravitate toward a hybrid model. This is because when you’re driving one, it still feels almost the same as driving a traditional gas-powered model even though your car is powered by both a gas engine and an electric motor. The pros that come along with a hybrid model include:

  • Significantly improved fuel economy in your commutes
  • Don’t need to install electric chargers at home or even find public ones in your local area
  • Your gas engine will recharge your battery as you drive
  • You don’t need to change your driving habits in Albany

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

While plug-in hybrid vehicles also rely on both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, they use the power differently than a conventional hybrid car. When you’re behind the wheels of a plug-in hybrid vehicle – like the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid model, your drive will be first powered by the electric motor and later be taken over by the gas engine once the electric charge is out. In this case, gasoline is more of a backup plan, so it truly allows you to be as eco-conscious as possible! Here are some pros of a plug-in hybrid vehicle:

  • Can run only on electric power, so you can be as environmentally friendly as possible
  • If you are busy or you’re having trouble adjusting to the recharging schedule, you can always fall back on gasoline power and not have to panic when you’re out and about in Schenectady
  • Can recharge the battery at home or at public charging stations

Drive Efficiently With a New Ford Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid Model!

After learning about the difference between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle, do you know which one suits your lifestyle best? At Ford of Latham, we have several options from the Ford lineup for you. Reach out for more information, or better yet, for a test drive in a model that you like! If you want to go all out with a fully electric model, we have the information for that, too!

 

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