Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Cars: What’s the Difference?

Looking to upgrade your Port Orange driving experience with a more fuel-efficient vehicle? You’ll have a number of hybrid and plug-in hybrid options to choose from. Both of these types of hybrid vehicles combine gasoline and electric power, so what’s the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid models? 

A conventional hybrid car uses gas and electric power simultaneously while charging the battery via technology like regenerative braking. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is capable of being driven on electric power alone in some circumstances, and has a battery pack that requires charging via an external power source. Learn more in this hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid comparison from Daytona Mitsubishi , then visit our dealership in Daytona Beach to test drive the new Outlander PHEV today!

What are the Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles?

One of the great things about a hybrid vehicle is the familiarity you will feel behind the wheel. Since hybrid vehicles use gasoline and electricity simultaneously and they self-charge via regenerative braking, there will be virtually no change to your driving experience on Palm Coast-area roads. 

A key benefit of a hybrid vehicle vs. an electric car is that it doesn’t require you to prepare your garage for vehicle charging. You can follow your usual routine of stopping at the gas station whenever you need to fill up, but you’ll be doing that a lot less often thanks to the incredible efficiency of your hybrid car.

What are the Benefits of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles?

As previously mentioned, the main difference between hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vehicles is that plug-in hybrids can be driven using only electric power for a certain number of miles, a figure known as the electric range. When the electric range is maxed out, the vehicle automatically switches to gas power. 

The combustion engine in a plug-in hybrid can be regarded as a backup plan. As long as you plug the vehicle in nightly to replenish the battery, you should have more than enough electric range to do your daily errands. If you get stuck in traffic or are taking a long-distance road trip, the gasoline engine is always ready to take over.

Given its ability to use 100% electric power for daily travel, a plug-in hybrid is a great choice for those who want to make the most environmentally friendly upgrade.

Find a Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid at Daytona Mitsubishi!

Ready to upgrade to a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle? Stop by our dealership near Ormond Beach to check out the new Outlander PHEV. In addition, we often have a fine selection of used hybrid vehicles for sale in our pre-owned inventory. If you have any questions about hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid cars or if you’d like to schedule a test drive please feel free to contact us online or call us at 855-940-4360.