Hybrid, PHEV, or Electric Vehicle: Which One is Right for You?

EV home plug
Hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular than ever, and electric car shoppers have a big range of quality choices to consider. But which model is right for you?

What is a Hybrid Car?

As the name implies, a hybrid car represents the combination of two things. In this case, a powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The gas engine engages at high speeds, while the electric motor takes over at low speeds but they both combine for greater fuel economy.

There are plenty of terrific hybrid models at Brown’s Elkader Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, and all of them offer strong gas mileage because they don’t burn gasoline 100 percent of the time.

What is a PHEV?

A PHEV takes the hybrid concept a step further. It has a gas engine, but it also has a bigger, more sophisticated electric battery system that allows for all-electric driving over a certain number of miles before the gas engine is needed again.

PHEVs also have regenerative braking, a feature that partially recharges the battery so you can go longer between charges. The PHEVs at our nearby RAM dealership come with a Level 1 charger that plugs right into a standard 120V household outlet, allowing you to recharge the car at home.

What is an Electric Vehicle?

An EV is powered entirely by electricity, with no combustion engine needed. Not surprisingly, EVs have the longest range of any of the three vehicle types discussed here. Similar to a PHV, when the battery is low and needs to be charged, you can charge it from the convenience of your garage.

The time it takes to charge depends on the size of the battery and the type of charger used – but for EV owners, this is a small price to pay for owning a car that’s emissions-free and completely independent of the fuel pump. Another benefit is that Jeep service for an EVs costs less than a gas-powered or hybrid car because it has fewer moving parts.

Choose Your Fuel-Efficient Automobile Today

Whether you choose a hybrid, PHEV, or EV, you stand to gain a slew of benefits that simply aren’t available with a traditional combustion engine. Visit us today and let’s talk Jeep finance, a test drive, and more.