Many people do not have a clear picture of what plug-in hybrids are and the benefits associated with these vehicles. Non-plug in hybrids such as Toyota’s Prius models requires gasoline to function, with the electric motor serving as a temporary helper. A plug-in hybrid on the other hand refers to a hybrid car that has a larger-sized battery to allow pure electric driving for a specific distance. In other words, PHEVs are part-time hybrids and part-time electric vehicles. The electric aspect of the car is dependent on the all-electric range of the plug-in hybrid. The range in question is based on the size of the battery in kilowatt-hours.

One of the merits of plug-ins that many consumers in the U.S. might not know much about is that there is no need to have or hire an electrician. Some people have the wrong idea that that there is special charging equipment that has to be installed. Contrary to pure electric cars that have large-sized batteries, PHEVs normally require the standard household outlet of 120 volts. That’s the same voltage your washing machine uses. The package comes with a special charging apparatus and cord.

The second advantage is convenience. A plug-in runs on electricity or gas and you can charge the battery at home. However, if you don’t manage to charge, the car can function just fine using the gasoline engine in the hybrid mode. These cars are great since drivers aren’t obliged to wait for them to charge as is the case with battery electric cars. Additionally, they can also be used when one wants to cover longer trips.

Another benefit worth noting is that plug-in cars have a hundred percent battery usage. Battery electric vehicles on the contrary have a limitation in terms of the battery range that can be used. For a driver to get to the next charging point, they have to keep a buffer. For PHEVs, drivers are free to utilize all the usable energy without worrying about getting stranded. Models such as Chevrolet Bolt have proved that they can accomplish better EV mileage compared to fully electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf.

Finally, PHEVs guarantee a satisfying driving experience. Driving and handling is just like other standard cars with great torque and in electric mode, they aren’t noisy. The drive is smooth, with some drivers terming it as addictive. The electric driving experience of PHEVs is certainly better than that of a regular hybrid car. Although hybrids are quiet as well, it is slightly harder to accelerate with a gas engine.