the difference between a plug-in hybrid vehicle and a conventional hybrid is quite simple: the former can be connected to an outside electrical source for charging its battery, and the latter cannot.

plug-in hybrids generally have a larger and more powerful battery than their conventional hybrid counterparts, enabling them to operate entirely on electrical power like a purely electric vehicle that has no gas used engine . and like an electric car, plug-in hybrids can typically be charged using any household 120-volt outlet for power — but charging time is much faster using either a 220-volt home charger or a commercial unit like the type found at some rest areas, parking garages or places of employment.

their added complexity and larger batteries make phevs more expensive to purchase than a conventional hybrid, although tax incentives can make up at least part of the difference depending on the state where you live. and the fact that they can be used as a purely electric vehicle at least part of the time can add to the appeal for some drivers while minimizing range anxiety with the backup of a gasoline used engine .

just don't expect to go too far on electric-only power. the 2018 hyundai ioniq plug-in hybrid, for example, only has a range of about 29 miles, while the toyota prius prime will travel just 25 miles before the gasoline used engine kicks in. yet environmentally minded drivers with a stout bladder can take comfort in a total cruising range of more than 600 miles with either.

other than that, plug-ins are pretty similar to conventional hybrids to live with and drive. some models, such as the hyundai ioniq and toyota prius and prius prime, offer the choice of either conventional or plug-in hybrid powertrains, while others, like the chevrolet bolt ev, are only offered as a plug-in.

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