Do you want to lower your refueling costs in Sterling? Knowing the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles can help you decide if one of these vehicles is for you. Compare hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid models with our guide from Ken Nelson Auto Group. Either way, you’ll spend less money on gasoline for city and highway driving with your next new vehicle.
The main difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles lies in how the battery is recharged in both types of vehicles. There are also differences in how the gasoline engine and electric powertrain work together. Some of the top automakers with hybrids offer many models with great fuel economy, like Toyota, Jeep, and Nissan.
Conventional hybrids synchronize gas and electric power simultaneously, and the vehicle easily switches between the two. You won’t have to change your driving habits in Freeport.
Meanwhile, a plug-in hybrid begins on electricity only until the battery is empty before the gasoline engine kicks in. You’ll need to recharge the battery at home or at a public charging station if you want to drive on electricity for short drives in Rochelle.
For a traditional hybrid, the electric powertrain works best on city streets. Meanwhile, the gasoline engine kicks in when you turn to highway driving. You’ll see better fuel efficiency in the city with a traditional hybrid. In this type of vehicle, the hybrid battery recharges as the gasoline engine moves the vehicle forward. When you convert to city driving, the electric powertrain comes back online for fuel-efficient driving.
A plug-in hybrid, as the name suggests, utilizes a larger battery than a traditional hybrid. A plug-in hybrid is charged through a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charging unit. With an at-home charging station, which you’ll need an electrician to install, you can easily charge a plug-in hybrid to 100% in 3 to 6 hours, depending on the battery size.
A conventional hybrid works well if you enjoy maintaining your current driving habits. Refuel at a gas station every week. You’ll have a lower refueling budget with a hybrid model.
Plug-in hybrids work a little differently. The batteries are rated to drive a certain distance on electricity only before switching to the gasoline engine. You could see anywhere from 15 to 50 miles of driving on electricity only, depending on the make and model you have.
If your commute is short enough, you might be able to drive back and forth to work without expending a drop of gasoline. You can recharge the battery in the convenience of your garage or at public charging stations when you’re traveling.
We invite you to get a closer look at the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for sale at our Dixon dealership. Contact us or call 815-288-4455 to schedule a test drive with our team. Until we meet, look over our new vehicle specials to see how much cash you could save on your purchase. We’re happy to help in any way we can!
