Pros and Cons of Investing in Plug-in Hybrid Cars

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are gaining popularity among drivers as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. With a hybrid powertrain that combines gas and electric power for longer trips and a 100% electric mode for shorter journeys, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer the ultimate combination of convenience and fuel economy.

Are you interested in driving a more eco-friendly car, but not quite ready to make the switch to a fully electric vehicle? In this blog, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about PHEVs. From how they work to the infrastructure required to own one, as well as the pros and cons of choosing a plug-in hybrid over a fully electric vehicle. 

 

How Does a Plug-in Hybrid Car Work?

A plug-in hybrid car is like a combination of a regular car and an electric car. It has a big battery inside that can be charged up by plugging it into an electrical outlet. You can charge it up at home or at a charging station. Once the battery is charged, you can drive the car using only electricity! It's like having a superpower - you can silently zoom around town without using gasoline or creating any pollution.

But here's the really cool part - if you need to go on a longer trip, you don't have to worry about running out of juice. That's because a plug-in hybrid car also has a regular gasoline engine. When the battery runs out of charge, the car will automatically switch over to using gasoline to power the engine. This means you can keep driving for as long as you want, without having to stop to recharge the battery.

So, a plug-in hybrid car is like having the best of both worlds. You get to drive using clean, green electricity for short trips, and you still have the flexibility to take longer trips using gasoline. 

 

Hybrid Batteries vs. PHEV Batteries vs. EV Batteries

A PHEV is a mix of gas and electric power. It has a battery that can be charged up, and a gas engine that turns on when the battery runs out. The battery in a PHEV is usually about 13.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

An EV runs only on electricity and has a bigger battery than a PHEV. The average battery in an EV is 40 kWh, but some can have up to 100 kWh! As technology improves, EV batteries are getting even better.

A regular hybrid car has the smallest battery of the three, ranging from 1 to 10 kWh. Most hybrids can't run on electricity alone, but some can go a short distance using only electricity. 

 

What Kind of Setup is Required to Charge a Plug-in Hybrid?

When you buy a PHEV, it comes with a charger that you can plug into a regular wall outlet. It's just like the plug you use for your coffee maker or toaster. Charging this way takes about 5 to 6 hours.

If you want to charge your PHEV faster, you can buy a special charger called a Level 2 charger. This charger costs more but can charge your car in 1 to 2 hours. You'll need to hire an electrician to install it, though, which can also be expensive.

Another option is to buy a 220-volt charging cable and have an electrician install a matching 220-volt plug near where you park your PHEV. This is a cheaper option than the Level 2 charger and charges your car almost as fast. You can also use this outlet for other 220-volt electronics when your car isn't charging. Charging with this option takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how much power you use.

Remember, if you're out and about, you can always charge your PHEV at a public charging station.

If you live in Quebec, the Provincial Government offers financial assistance in the form of a rebate for installing an EV charging station at your home residence. There are five more provinces in Canada that offer rebates for electric cars. You can find out the tax rebates offered by each province, eligibility criteria, and the application process for the same here:

British Columbia 

New Brunswick 

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland & Labrador

 

Pros & Cons of Plug-in Hybrid Vs. Electric Vehicles

While PHEVs offer a blend of gas and electric power, EVs run purely on electricity. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, though.

Pros & Cons of PHEV

PHEV advantages include lower emissions, overall lower fuel costs, electric-only mode with the convenience of a hybrid engine for longer range, great for short driving distances, excellent fuel economy, lower maintenance costs than gas vehicles, and come with federal and some provincial incentives. PHEVs typically cost more upfront compared to gas-powered and regular hybrid vehicles and may incur higher repair expenses due to their complex powertrain.

Pros & Cons of EV

EV advantages include zero emissions, lower overall repair bills, no gasoline costs (estimated electricity costs 30% of the gas cost), typically higher federal and some provincial incentives, and even lower maintenance costs than gas and PHEV vehicles (oil changes, brakes, etc.). However, EVs have range anxiety due to limited charging stations, the possibility of getting stranded or needing a tow in remote areas, and fewer model options available.

It's worth noting that both PHEVs and EVs come with excellent money-saving perks over gas-powered vehicles, including federal and provincial rebates of up to $5,000 and $8,000, respectively.

 

Top 5 Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles in Canada

Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a crossover plug-in hybrid car that is powerful and fuel-efficient. It has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a lithium-ion battery pack, giving it a net horsepower of 302 and a towing power of 1,134 kg. It also has all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and connectivity options for your smartphone.  

 

BMW X5 xDrive45e

BMW X5 xDrive45e is a luxury plug-in hybrid car with opulent features like Sensatec upholstery, wood trim, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It has a horsepower of up to 483 and a 64-kilometer electric range. 

 

Toyota Prius Prime

The Toyota Prius Prime is a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid car with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that gives it 194-196 horsepower and a 6.8-second 0-to-100 km/h sprint. It also has heated front seats, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Toyota SafetySense 2.0, and a 12.3-inch display screen. 

 

Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is a plug-in hybrid car for families with 287 horsepower and a 51-kilometer range. It also has dual-sliding doors, an automatic liftgate, and Uconnect rear theater. 

 

Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is a powerful plug-in hybrid car with 690 horsepower, a 4.0-litre V-8, and a 27-kilometer electric range. It also has a top speed of 140 km/h on battery only.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of PHEVs versus fully electric vehicles to make the best choice for your needs. However, both PHEVs and EVs offer excellent money-saving perks over gas-powered vehicles, including federal and provincial rebates. With the growing number of options and models available, it is easier than ever to make a more eco-friendly choice without sacrificing convenience or style. If you need help financing your hybrid vehicle purchase, be sure to check out Approval Genie, which offers easy and hassle-free auto loans for all credit types.