I've had my finger on the pulse of all things automotive for the last 16 years: test-driving hundreds of cars, EVs, plug-in hybrids and following the news and trends in the auto industry. One trend that has become abundantly clear of late is that full-electric vehicles are kind of a big deal.
Link to Jixin Auto
EV adoption, infrastructure growth, public policy and climate-friendly transportation options are at the forefront of the news. Not every motorist is ready to take the full plug-in plunge. Perhaps you want to just dip a toe into the electrified lifestyle or maybe you're waiting for charging and price to become more accessible in your area.
For these drivers, plug-in hybrids have reemerged as a compelling green car alternative, blending some of the advantages of battery electric vehicles with the familiarity of combustion cars. Gathered here, you'll find a selection of our favorite PHEVs you can buy in .
For the best efficiency bang for the buck, look no further than the OG poster child for hybridization, Toyota's Prius Prime. The Prime boasts up to 45 miles of EV range thanks to its extremely efficient design which, at around 3.8 miles per kWh in EV mode, rivals that of many dedicated electric cars. With regular recharges and top-ups at a normal 120-volt home outlet, many drivers may find themselves going days or weeks driving solely on cheaper electric power. That efficiency advantage continues even after the big battery is depleted, boasting an impressive 52 combined mpg for the next 500-plus combustion-powered miles, so you'll spend less time and money at the pump on longer journeys.
The biggest difference between a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is how the battery is charged. The HEV concept adds an electric motor/generator and a rechargeable battery to a combustion engine to improve fuel efficiency. Plug-in hybrids evolve this concept with the addition of a charging port.
This upgrade allows the PHEV to be charged from an external power source, such as the utility grid, when parked and plugged in. Most PHEVs worth considering also feature a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor than their HEV ancestors, which allows them to operate on exclusively electric power for an increased distance before the combustion engine kicks in.
The electric range is significantly shorter than a dedicated EV, but even a few electric miles per day can make a difference with improved fuel efficiency, reduced tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs versus combustion and HEV cars. Trips and commutes shorter than their average 20-30 mile range can usually be completed without burning a drop of fuel. When the EV range has been exhausted, PHEVs can automatically switch to gasoline power, so you can keep driving for hundreds of miles without range anxiety.
(Note: All prices include destination charges.)
Kia's Sorento and Sportage, as well as the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are excellent and compelling mainstream SUVs that have recently added very desirable PHEV trim levels. More powerful and stylish than the Niro PHEV (although not quite as efficient,) all feature the same 1.6-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system averaging around 33-35 mpg combined, depending on the specific model and trim, and 30-34 miles of electric range per charge.
At the ultra-elite end of the spectrum, the Bentley Bentayga and Flying Spur PHEVs offset (but never compromise) their payloads of luxuries and creature comforts with an 18-21 miles EV range per charge and around 20 mpg thereafter.
Meanwhile, the Land Rover New Range Rover (yes, that's what it's called) P440 PHEV rolls out with an impressive 51 miles of EV range per charge thanks to its absolutely massive (for a hybrid) battery. The P440 is also one of the rare PHEVs that features DC fast charging, adding around 40 miles in 30 minutes via its CCS connector. It's as extremely off-road capable as you'd expect a Range Rover to be and as luxurious/expensive.
The BMW, on the other hand, is all about speed with its 644-horsepower XM SUV. Its 31 miles of EV range is impressive, but the mere 14 combined hybrid mpg thereafter makes efficiency feel like an afterthought. Combine that with a face even a mother would be challenged to love and I was as confused by this PHEV's seeming disregard for efficiency as I was thrilled by its neck-snapping acceleration.
One of the key advantages of a plug-in hybrid versus a conventional, self-contained hybrid is the electric range you get when plugging in. More electric range means more miles driven without gasoline, which cuts down on tailpipe emissions and saves you money -- since electricity is usually cheaper than gas. How much EV range a PHEV offers varies -- from as low as 10 miles to as many as 50 -- but on average you can expect around 20-30 miles per charge before the gasoline engine turns over.
Read more: Best Home EV Chargers for
Studies have shown that, on average, PHEV owners don't plug in as often as they could. Without the advantage of electric miles, a plug-in hybrid is just a heavier, slightly less efficient hybrid, so remember to plug in whenever you can to maximize the value and efficiency of a PHEV.
Of course, the advantage PHEVs offer over full-electric cars is their ability to operate on gasoline with quick fill-ups at familiar gas stations during longer journeys. Hybrid operation can vary wildly where efficiency is concerned, from as much as 50 mpg to as low as 14 mpg. More miles per gallon is always better, but this may not be the most important number on the spec sheet.
A driver who rarely road trips and chooses a PHEV with enough EV range to cover most of their daily driving may worry less about mpgs when they rarely use the gasoline engine. On the other hand, a driver who cruises beyond the EV range more often would want to maximize hybrid efficiency. And a driver whose habits include mostly long-range motoring may be better served with a conventional hybrid.
PHEVs almost always feature larger batteries than their conventional hybrid analogs, which means they're also usually more expensive. With regular recharges, a PHEV has the potential to save money in the long run by using electricity rather than gas for most trips. How long it takes to justify the "hybrid premium" will depend on the specific car and your driving habits, but you can estimate the break-even point with simple math.
A handful of PHEVs also qualify for the Federal EV tax credit, which could save between $ and $ and can now be applied at the point of purchase.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Phev For Sale.
PHEVs have often been described as a gateway drug to full electrification, but fully electric cars are getting more affordable, more efficient and accessible every day. EVs are also simpler than PHEVs, with only one fuel source to keep track of and even less maintenance to worry about. As you examine your driving needs, habits and home charging capability, you may find that you're more ready to make the leap to a full-battery electric car than you think. Keep an open mind as you shop.
Over the last 16 years, I've driven hundreds of conventional and electrified cars -- from eco hatchbacks to luxurious SUVs -- but the process always starts by getting behind the wheel and driving them in real-world conditions on public roads. For each car I test, I cover over 200 miles behind the wheel on a mixed driving route that includes dense urban roads (complete with potholes), long stretches of highway driving and some good fun twisty mountain roads mixed in for flavor.
For PHEVs, specifically, I test the electric range and the charging experience. I also compare the performance between full-electric EVs and hybrid operating modes, noting any inconsistencies or advantages revealed. As with all cars, I also evaluate driving dynamics including handling, acceleration and braking performance and also compare my real-world experience, tested range and efficiency with estimates reported by the US EPA, both to double-check the official numbers against the real world and to make sure my experiences represent those of the typical American driver.
Along the way, I also check each car's cabin comfort, dashboard tech and driver aid and safety features to get a feel for where each vehicle fits in my experience testing hundreds of combustion, hybrid, hydrogen and, yes, battery-powered cars for CNET reviews.
Are you trying to decide whether to get an electric car or a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)? It can be tough to decide, as both types of vehicles have their pros and cons. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between electric cars (EVs) and Plug-Ins, as well as some factors to consider when choosing between the two.
PHEVs are EVs that have both a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. The latter is powered by a battery pack usually charged by plugging it into an electrical outlet or via regenerative braking. In a Plug-In, the battery typically ranges from 8 to 16 kWh. Many people see PHEVs as a stepping stone to pure electric cars, as they offer some of the benefits of EVs without requiring the driver to rely solely on electricity.
Range being one of the most conditional factors when choosing an electric car, let’s have a look at it! The official electric range of these vehicles can vary widely, from around five to sixty kilometers — with some premium models able to reach as much as 120km. This is still typically much shorter than the range of a pure electric car. However, because they have a combustion engine as well, they can switch between the two depending on the situation. This means that if you run out of electricity, you can simply switch to the ICE to keep going. The total driving range of a Plug-In Hybrid can go up to 600 miles with the help of traditional fuel.
As said before, one of the main advantages of PHEVs is their versatility. Additionally, many PHEVs are eligible for the same low taxes and incentives as pure electric cars, which can make them an attractive option financially. Another advantage is that PHEVs have a smaller battery pack as compared to an EV which makes them cost-efficient.
While these vehicles certainly have their benefits, it's important to also consider the downsides. One major factor to keep in mind is weight. PHEVs, with their combination of a traditional gasoline engine and electric motor, tend to be heavier than traditional vehicles. This can surely lead to higher fuel consumption, than traditional cars when relying on the combustion engine.
Another disadvantage is maintenance and repair costs. With two engines, PHEVs often require more frequent care. This can include regular check-ups for both the electric motor and battery, as well as oil changes. And if the electric motor or battery needs to be replaced, the cost can be quite high.
Lastly, we need to take resale value into consideration. Many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have discontinued production of these vehicles, which can lead to a lower demand and ultimately a lower resale value. Additionally, as technology advances and electric vehicles become more available and efficient, the demand for PHEVs may decrease even further.
All in all, while PHEVs offer a lot of benefits — it's important to weigh the downsides and consider how they align with your personal priorities and needs. Don't hesitate to do your own research and consult with experts in the field to make the best decision.
Now let's talk about EVs. These are vehicles that are powered solely by electricity, with no internal combustion engine. The official range of EVs varies widely, from around 200 kilometers to 600 kilometers, depending on factors such as the size of the battery and the make and model of the car. The battery pack in an EV typically ranges from 40 to 100 kWh. In recent years, EVs have become increasingly popular due to their quietness, low maintenance requirements, good performance and driving pleasure. They are also gentle on the environment and often have taxes incentives and available bonuses or subsidies.
When it comes to charging, both EVs and PHEVs can be charged using the same types of equipment. This includes cords that plug into an electrical outlet or a charging box, as well as charging stations along major roads and highways. Some of these stations have Level 3 chargers that can provide a quick boost to the battery.
It's worth noting that while HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are also a type of EV, they do not have the ability to be plugged in and charged externally, unlike EVs and Plug-Ins. As such, they offer a greater electric driving range and the ability to recharge the battery externally, making them a better option for those looking for a more efficient and eco-friendly driving experience.
So, which one should you choose - an electric car or a PHEV? Ultimately, it comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
It's worth noting that while HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are also a type of EV, they do not have the ability to be plugged in and charged externally, unlike PHEVs. PHEVs offer a greater electric driving range and the ability to recharge the battery externally, making them a better option for those looking for a more efficient and eco-friendly driving experience.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your budget, your driving habits, and your charging options before making a decision. Whichever one you choose, you'll be making a positive impact on the environment and reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.
Want more information on China Extended-Range Electric Vehicle? Feel free to contact us.