Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid: What's The Difference?

If you’re looking for a new vehicle, you might have been considering a hybrid or electric car as your next companion driving around Clear Lake. While hybrid cars have been around for some time, a lot of drivers in Houston are wondering about the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

At Big Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat Clear Lake, a lot of interested customers have asked us about hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid cars for quite a while. In general, all new hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of gasoline and electric motors, yet both hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars have unique benefits.

So what is the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars? While hybrid cars use a conventional gas engine and electric power, plug-in hybrids feature a larger battery that’s charged through a 120-volt household outlet or 240-volt charging unit. At the same time, plug-in hybrids start each drive on pure electric power, switching to gas when needed. Learn more about the hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid debate below.

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

Hybrid cars have been around for some time and many have a familiarity to those in Clear Lake and Houston who’ve purchased them. While driving around Webster, your vehicle is simultaneously powered by an electric motor and a gas engine. Dramatically improving your fuel economy, this allows your gas engine to recharge the battery as you’re driving.

Traditional hybrid cars move in a manner that offers you improved MPG, without having to stop and recharge your vehicle at any time. This is an advantage to a lot of Houston drivers who have been worried about disruptions to their usual auto habits.

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

Yet we’re here to discuss hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vehicles. Much like the traditional hybrid cars, they’re powered by a gas engine and an electric motor, yet the way energy is deployed differs. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, also known as PHEVs, run primarily on a battery-powered electric motor while driving around Clear Lake. Once your battery is drained, the gas engine takes over.

Instead of two power sources working together, plug-in hybrid vehicles will make the gasoline engine their backup option. Your distance traveled while traveling only on your battery is known as the vehicle’s electric range. Once your limit is reached, you’ll have to plug your car in to regain battery power.

In reality, there’s multiple advantages to considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle. For those who want a greener, environmentally-friendly vehicle, a PHEV might be the best option. As the vehicle is pre-charged, many plug-in hybrid cars have the range needed to run errands around Webster on electric power alone.

Find Your New Fuel-Efficient Ride With Big Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat Clear Lake

Now that you understand the Hybrid vs. Plug-in hybrid car debate, it’s time to take a test drive with Big Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat Clear Lake. Explore our hybrid and electric vehicle inventory and check out our National Offers to see if you’ll save some money. If you’re debating about custom ordering your new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, Wagoneer vehicle or have questions about bad credit, we’ve got some posts for you. Experience a more environmentally-friendly way of driving with Big Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat Clear Lake. See you shortly!