What is a Plug-In Hybrid & How Does it Work?
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, often referred to simply as PHEVs, have an electric motor that supplies short-range, electric-only driving and a traditional gas-powered engine for longer journeys. For many, the PHEV provides the optimal balance between reduced emission operation for average daily commutes and the ability to go on longer drives or road trips without range anxiety.
Continue reading to learn more about PHEVs, including operational basics, components, and how they differ from other types of electric vehicles.
What is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle is one of four main types of electric vehicles available in today’s market. It’s often easiest to understand these different types of EVs in relation to one another. These include:
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Battery electric vehicles rely entirely on electric energy.
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Hybrid electric vehicles feature a traditional gas engine that uses a smaller battery-powered electric motor to help power the car in low-load driving situations. The battery is recharged by regenerative braking or the gas engine.
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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use both a larger battery powered electric motor and a gasoline engine. The battery can be recharged by regenerative braking, the gas engine, or plugging into an external power source.
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Fuel cell electric vehicles use a fuel cell stack powered by hydrogen gas to power the electric motor and propel the vehicle.
According to energy.gov, the first commercially available PHEV arrived on the U.S. market in 2010. Since that time, it can be said that PHEVs have generally flown under the radar as companies opted to either pursue all-electric or hybrid options.
Today, the growing interest in EVs, coupled with the need for more robust EV charging infrastructure, the potential for supply chain issues, and our changing global climate, have highlighted the unique benefits that PHEVs provide.
What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid offers enough battery capacity for all-electric motoring for shorter commutes (15 to 60+ miles, depending on your vehicle), but will switch to a gas-powered engine or use the gas engine to support the electric motor on longer drives. The electric battery in a PHEV needs to be recharged, which can be done through regenerative braking, the internal combustion engine, or plugging into an external power source. PHEV owners can typically charge their vehicle overnight by plugging it into a standard wall outlet. You can learn more about plugging in and charging your PHEV in our article on EV charging levels.
Meanwhile, at its most basic, an HEV is “missing” the plug of a PHEV. That’s because, while HEVs do use batteries, those batteries are charged via regenerative braking and the gas engine instead of an external charging source. Sometimes, manufacturers will offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the same model. It’s also important to note that HEVs and PHEVs may come in one or more of the following subtypes based on their drivetrain:
• Series: Propulsion is entirely from electric energy, and the internal combustion engine is only used to recharge the electric motor.
• Parallel: Propulsion can be powered by gas only, a combination of gas and electric energy, or electricity only.
How do plug-in hybrids work?
As mentioned above, most plug-in hybrids utilize both a gas-powered internal combustion engine and a supplemental electric motor powered by a battery. For example, Mazda’s 2024 CX-90 PHEV powertrain consists of a 68-kW electric motor powered by a 17.8 kWh battery, as well as a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine.
If you look under the hood of a PHEV, you’ll typically find a gasoline engine with an electric motor nearby. The battery pack is frequently located under the trunk/cargo area or under the vehicle’s seats.
Important components of PHEVs
In addition to an internal combustion engine and its fuel supply, a PHEV is typically equipped with the following components:
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Often described as the “traction battery pack,” the battery powers the vehicle in all-electric mode.
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The charge port serves as the connection between an outlet or charging station to the battery pack.
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Responsible for taking the AC current supplied via the charge port and converting it to the DC power necessary to charge the battery pack.
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Drives the vehicle using power from the battery pack, which can be recharged through various methods.
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Designed to maintain proper operating temperature of all components necessary to the vehicle’s operation.
Beyond these components, you can expect a PHEV to come with the standard comfort and safety amenities typically associated with a modern car, truck, or SUV.
Benefits of PHEVs
Car buyers may begin shopping for PHEVs when an all-electric BEV is not a practical solution for their lifestyle or the area in which they live. When shopping, buyers may find that PHEVs offer an array of benefits even when not comparing them to their BEV or HEV counterparts.
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According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, if used as designed, driving a PHEV can produce less “cradle-to-grave” and “well-to-wheel” tailpipe emissions than standard gas-powered vehicles.
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If used as designed, the PHEV can significantly reduce the number of times you need to visit (and spend money at) the gas station.
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If your daily drive exceeds your PHEV’s all-electric range, the vehicle will automatically run on its gas engine.
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Is a plug-in hybrid right for your lifestyle?
With most Americans holding on to their vehicles longer, we at Mazda recognize that your next car purchase will likely be made after appraising both your short-term wants and long-term needs. If you’re looking to enter the world of EVs, the PHEV can be an attractive option for both practical and environmental reasons.
To make the most of your PHEV’s electric capabilities, it makes sense to regularly charge your PHEV, either at home or at work. The PHEV is particularly suited to individuals who have a regular, relatively short commute 15-60+ miles round trip, depending on your vehicle) but who also wish to take their car on the occasional adventure or road trip without worrying about the need to make frequent stops for charging.
Meet the Mazda PHEVs
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV and CX-70 PHEV are luxurious crossover SUVs that combine powerful performance with incomparable style. Featuring a powertrain that combines an electric motor with our 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv®-G engine, our PHEVs were crafted with flexibility, responsiveness, and our planet in mind.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV offers seating for up to 8, making this 3-row crossover SUV perfect for families who’ve struggled to find a PHEV that has enough room for all their loved ones. Complete with Mazda’s signature Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), i-Activ AWD®, i-Activsense® safety features and more, the CX-90 provides a truly elevated and inspiring driving experience.
On the other hand, the Mazda CX-70 PHEV can seat up to 5, offering ample cargo space in this 2-row SUV while retaining all the signature features of the Mazda CX-90 PHEV.
Explore the Mazda CX-90 PHEV performance, design, technology, safety, and utility features, or simply shop the Mazda CX-90 PHEV today. If the two-row CX-70 PHEV suits your needs better, you can also learn more or shop for this stylish and spacious PHEV online.
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. You acknowledge that we have no duty or obligation to maintain or update any such information and agree that your reliance on any such information is at your own risk.