The first primary plug-in electric car manufacturer entered the Unites States market half a decade ago. It is quite unclear whether a pure electric car or a plug-in hybrid car would be more sensible. Answering such a question can be likened to aiming at a moving target, as technology and market products are ever evolving. It makes more sense to briefly highlight the benefits that can be attained from both types of vehicles.

Firstly, the invention of plug-in hybrid cars and electric cars is a step towards doing away with environmentally unfriendly gasoline and petroleum. The powertrains of plug-in electric cars run on highly efficient electric motors, consequently minimizing or eliminating the need for petroleum. The plug-in grid is continually getting better as electric plug-in locations are becoming more numerous.

In general terms, plug-in hybrid cars refer to hybrid cars with larger-sized batteries coupled with connection to a grid. More energy is stored to allow the car to run solely on electricity for longer periods. Although the technological approaches may differ, the basic idea of a hybrid is partly electric range that has a gasoline as backup. All-electric cars on the other hand utilize traction motors and battery without internal combustion. Just like plug-in hybrids, these cars also have a grid connection or a renewable electricity source.

The Unites States alone has about 26 plug-in electric cars in the market, out of a total of 50 cars globally. Plug-in trucks are not yet available. High end SUVs are only a few and a single minivan will be out later in the year. Of the 26 cars mentioned, 12 of them are battery electric cars while the remaining fifteen are plug-in hybrids. Others that have already been manufactured and exited the market include Honda Fit electric car, Honda’s Accord plug-in and Toyota’s RAV4 electric car.

With respect to price, plug-in cars tend to be more costly compared to their conventional counterparts. This is based on the fact that there is payback in different other ways including minimal costs of operation and maintenance, as well as additional environmental benefits. The single most fundamental reason to own plug-in hybrid cars is that a driver has the choice of using it as part-time fully-electric car. The extended range is another key benefit of these cars. Electric vehicles are beneficial since the cost of operating them is less than that of gasoline cars. Also, there is extremely reduced, to no emissions at the electric cars’ tailpipes, making them environmental friendly.