Hybrids vs. Plug-in Hybrids
Traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are two types of electric vehicles (EVs) that can be differentiated by how each vehicle type charges its battery. Namely, an HEV’s battery is charged by both regenerative braking and through the internal combustion engine (ICE), while a PHEV charges its battery primarily by plugging it in to an external power source. For these and a few other reasons discussed below, HEVs and PHEVs ultimately use different levels of electric and gasoline-powered propulsion.
If you’re comparing traditional hybrids vs. plug-in hybrids with the intent to buy or lease, know that each vehicle type has its pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in an EV. To help you choose the vehicle that aligns with your needs and preferences, let’s take a closer look at the differences between traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus with options shown throughout.
Defining traditional hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
First, let’s talk about hybrid vehicles in general. A hybrid vehicle is a type of vehicle that uses both an electric motor and an ICE that’s what makes them hybrid.
All hybrid electric vehicles have an ICE, a fuel tank, at least one electric motor, and at least one battery pack. This is as opposed to a battery electric vehicle (BEV), for example, which has an electric motor powered by multiple battery packs.
From there, hybrid vehicles can be broken down into categories, including what are called “traditional” or “standard” hybrid electric vehicles which includes HEVs and PHEVs.
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- Series: Uses a gas engine to charge the electric battery, meaning the vehicle’s movement is entirely from electric energy.
- Parallel: Uses a gas engine to power the vehicle with or instead of the electric motor, meaning the vehicle can run entirely on gas, a combination of gas and electricity, or electricity only.
What are HEVs?
HEVs have an electric motor that’s powered by an onboard battery pack which is charged by the ICE (via an onboard generator) and regenerative braking, a process in which energy from braking or deceleration is converted to electricity and stored in the battery for later. The electric motor then assists the ICE, improving the vehicle’s fuel economy. Once the electric battery is depleted, HEVs switch to their fuel or combustion engines for recharging (series type) or propulsion (parallel type).
HEVs are not plugged into an external power source to charge, as the battery is charged while driving. It also means that when HEVs are driven using their electric motor alone—which can be done for very short distances and at low speeds—that electrical power ultimately derives from the use of fuel.
Full vs. mild HEVS
HEVs can be broken down into two further categories:
• Full hybrid: Full hybrids are the HEVs described above. Their electric motors are powerful enough to propel the vehicle for short distances and at low speeds, reduce engine idling, and power some auxiliary systems.
• Mild hybrid: Mild hybrids, or MHEVs, are built to assist a vehicle’s ICE to propel the car from a complete stop and run some of the car’s auxiliary systems (depending on the model). Unlike full HEVs, MHEV systems cannot completely power a car using the electric motor alone.
What are PHEVS?
As mentioned, the main difference between HEVs and PHEVs lies in how the batteries of these vehicle types are charged. The battery pack in a plug-in hybrid vehicle can be charged from an external power source, such as a standard, grounded 120V outlet or a dedicated vehicle charging station. And, like those in an HEV, batteries in a PHEV can be charged through regenerative braking and using the engine as an onboard generator. PHEV batteries are typically larger than that of HEVs, which allow PHEVs to drive for moderate distances (about 15-60 miles) using all-electric driving range before the battery is depleted and the engine is needed. In other words, PHEVs can travel farther on all-electric power than HEVs.
Differences between PHEVs and HEVs at a glance
For a quick and easy breakdown of the differences between HEVs and PHEVs, plus a few additional details on cost differences, check out the below.
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PHEVs often have larger battery packs compared to HEVs, allowing for a greater all-electric driving range. They also typically have more horsepower due to the regular combination of power from the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor, whereas HEVs rely more on the ICE for power, with the electric motor assisting during low-speed driving or acceleration.
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PHEVs are primarily recharged via an external power source, such as a standard, grounded 120V wall outlet or a dedicated charging station. PHEV charging times will vary but typically range from 5-6 hours for Level 1 (120V) charging to one to two hours with Level 2 (208-240V) charging. Most PHEVs are not equipped with DC fast charging (Level 3) capabilities. Check your vehicle’s specifications before attempting DC fast charging.
In contrast, HEVs do not use external charging—instead, they rely on regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine to charge the battery while driving. This charging process is automatic.
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Full hybrid electric vehicles do not have a measurable all-electric driving range; they still rely entirely on the internal combustion engine for varying levels of propulsion and to charge the batteries along with regenerative braking.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles typically have moderate all-electric driving capacity (around15-60 miles, depending on the model) thanks to their larger battery packs, which are charged from an external power source. Keep in mind that the driving range of PHEVs also varies based on factors such as driving conditions, weather, and individual driving habits.
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Both PHEVs and HEVs can offer savings at the pump, but the upfront costs of PHEVs tend to be higher than HEVs due to their larger battery pack(s). PHEV owners may also want to consider the installation of at-home Level 2 charging if it’s not already available in their house.
However, as of August 2023, certain PHEVs may be eligible for federal tax credits or incentives that traditional HEVs don’t qualify for. These incentives can offset the initial purchase price of PHEVs.
| ATTRIBUTE | FULL HYBRIDS (HEVs) | PLUG-IN HYBRIDS (PHEVs) |
| POWER | Relies more on gas engine, with assistance from the electric motor during low-speed driving and acceleration. | Larger battery pack allows for greater all-electric range, with gas-propelled power for extended travel. |
| RECHARGING | Uses regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine to charge the battery while driving. | Charged primarily via an external power source, like a standard, grounded 120V outlet or a charging station. Also charged via regenerative braking and the ICE while driving. |
| RANGE | No significant all-electric range. | Typically can travel up to 15-60 miles on electricity alone. |
| COST | Less expensive upfront costs, potentially more expensive recurring costs, since there is no significant all-electric capacity to offset fuel costs. | More expensive upfront costs, less expensive recurring costs. |
Should you get a HEV or a PHEV?
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your personal wants and needs for your next vehicle or fleet. From the above, you can see that HEVs offer upfront cost savings, while PHEVs provide the added benefit of longer all-electric driving range and long-term cost savings from lower recurring fuel costs. For many, the latter fact makes PHEVs more versatile in terms of balancing electric and gasoline power.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV and the CX-70 PHEV are ideal options for drivers looking to step into the world of EVs. Their powertrain offers up to 323-hp when using the recommended premium octane fuel pairing a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a 68-kW electric motor, making them both suitable for short commutes and local trips, while offering the flexibility of gasoline power for longer journeys. And with their intelligent design and intuitive e-SKYACTIV ®-G PHEV technology, both the Mazda CX-90 PHEV and the CX-70 PHEV provide a comfortable yet exhilarating driving experience.
To learn more about the Mazda vehicle range, visit us online or at your nearest Mazda dealership and experience the future of driving firsthand.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.