What’s the Difference Between Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Cars?

Do skyrocketing gas prices have you thinking about getting a hybrid car for your New Carlisle commute? Have you been researching these vehicles, but you’re still not sure about the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe? That’s OK. We’ve put together a detailed hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid comparison to explain the difference.

Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

The names of these vehicles are self-explanatory in that the main difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles is that one is charged by being plugged in, and the other is not. That has to do with how the gas engine and electric motor work together in each type of car. Here are the key differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars:

• Plug-in hybrids can run solely on the electric motor for a short range, while the gas engine and electric motor in a hybrid are always running simultaneously.
• The battery in a hybrid is charged by the gas engine, while the battery in a plug-in hybrid has to be charged from an outlet or charger.

Fuel Efficiency

Both types of vehicles get better gas mileage than conventional gas engines. But plug-in hybrids get by far the better gas mileage out of the two. Depending on their electric ranges, some plug-in hybrids can reach the equivalent of 100 miles per gallon. Either way, you will enjoy a more economical commute to Dayton!

Power and Performance

Both hybrids and plug-in hybrids can be said to generate a lot of power when you calculate the combined horsepower of their gas engines and electric motors. However, there is a difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid when it comes to horsepower. Plug-in hybrids typically deliver more than hybrids, thanks to their larger batteries, and are even better at enabling you to take on our Springfield roads with confidence.

Sticker Price

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are generally priced a little higher than hybrid vehicles due to the greater capacity of the plug-in hybrid battery. As explained above, the electric motor in a plug-in hybrid can take over and power the car independently of the gas engine for a limited range of miles, which is something a hybrid cannot do.

Check Out the Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles at New Carlisle Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

You should take the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid for a test drive to see how remarkable these vehicles are. You can do that today at our dealership. And, if you’d like to learn more, check out our posts explaining exactly what a hybrid car is and what kind of gas mileage you can expect from the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. We’re just down the road from Huber Heights. So, drop by or contact us today!