Plug-in Hybrid Cars: What Are They? How Do They Work?

With the European Union’s decision to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035, there are still several intermediate steps on the path to full electric adoption, including the increasing growth of plug-in hybrid cars.

These cars, which combine an internal combustion engine with a more powerful electric one, represent an important compromise solution in the transition to fully electric vehicles. There are different types of hybrid cars, which differ in their engine configuration and level of hybridisation.

In this article, we will focus on plug-in hybrid vehicles, analysing their features, how they work, and how they differ from other types of hybrid vehicles, as well as looking at some of the cheapest models and those with the highest all-electric performance.

Before we begin, we would like to remind you that you can also buy a plug-in hybrid car abroad, within another European country, but in this situation, in order to be able to circulate indefinitely in Europe, you will necessarily have to re-register it.

In order to complete this process, the registration office will require you to submit a certificate of conformity. The quickest and easiest way to request this document is through the service offered by our EUROCOC portal, with which you can apply directly online and receive the certificate at home by courier within a few working days.

What are Hybrid Cars?

In the introduction, we mentioned the concept of plug-in hybrid cars, which represent a specific category within hybrid cars more generally.

Let us begin, then, by defining more precisely what is meant by the term hybrid cars.

Identified by the acronym HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), hybrid cars are characterised by the presence of two motors: one powered by electricity and the other by combustion, which can run on either petrol or diesel.

The fundamental idea behind this technology is to exploit the electric motor to reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption and harmful emissions while on the move, while at the same time improving the performance of the vehicle itself, while maintaining a certain independence from the charging infrastructure, unlike purely electric cars (BEVs, Battery Electric Vehicle).

Due to these advantages in terms of (partial) environmental sustainability, some variants of hybrid cars can benefit from incentives such as exemption from the payment of road tax for periods ranging from three to five years (depending on the rules defined by each european country, sometimes they get a lower rate than traditional full petrol or diesel cars. ), unrestricted access to restricted traffic zones, and, depending on the model, even state subsidies to reduce the purchase price.

As already mentioned, there are different types of hybrid cars, which differ mainly in the way the two engines are integrated.

These can be configured in series, where the combustion engine acts mainly as a generator to power the electric motor; in parallel, allowing the two motors to operate simultaneously; or in a hybrid system, such as the one adopted by Toyota, which combines both modes of operation.

Hybrid cars also differ in what is known as the degree of hybridisation, which indicates the ratio between the power supplied by the electric motor and the total power of the system, as well as the capacity for storing electrical energy. In this category, too, there are different types, ranging from mild hybrids, full hybrids, to plug-in hybrids.

The latter, which are the focus of our article, are distinguished from the others by the fact that they have an electric motor and a set of batteries designed to cover significant distances in all-electric mode, but require recharging at charging stations.

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What is a Plug-in Hybrid Car?

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there is a classification of hybrid cars based on the power of the electric motor and the capacity of the battery pack, called degree of hybridisation, which includes the categories mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

However, we can further simplify this classification by distinguishing hybrid cars into two broad groups: those that can be recharged by connecting them to an external energy source and those that do not have this option.

In this distinction lies the defining characteristic of plug-in hybrid cars, also known as PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The term ‘plug-in’ emphasises precisely the ability of these cars to connect to an electric socket for external charging, a feature that also gives the category its name.

Plug-in hybrids represent an important meeting point between pure combustion and fully electric vehicles (BEVs).

In contrast to mild and full hybrids, plug-in hybrids have a larger set of batteries that allow them to operate exclusively in electric mode for distances of up to more than 80 km, often covering a person’s average daily commute.

This allows plug-in hybrids to reduce emissions even more than other hybrid categories, while retaining the combustion engine to eliminate the anxiety of recharging.

How Do Plug-in Hybrid Cars Work?

A plug-in hybrid car works by combining a combustion engine with one or more electric motors, which are more powerful and are equipped with lithium-ion batteries capable of running in pure electric mode for fairly long distances.

The two types of motors can work together, for example to improve fuel efficiency or increase acceleration, or they can operate separately. The management of this dynamic can be done automatically through the vehicle’s software or can be controlled manually by the user, depending on his or her preferences.

In terms of specifications, plug-in hybrids can have electric motors with power outputs of around 70-75 kW (variable depending on the model) and batteries ranging from 10 to 18 kWh. This gives the vehicle a range from 60 to well over 80 km in the WLTP mixed cycle, without the need to activate the combustion engine.

Although offering a shorter range than all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids can cover the most important daily needs, such as commuting to work, by operating exclusively in electric mode and recharging every night by simply plugging them into the household power socket. This allows switching to the combustion engine only for longer journeys, thus combining flexibility and sustainability.

However, it must be kept in mind that the adoption of a larger battery pack results in an increase in vehicle weight, which can lead to higher fuel consumption in thermal mode and a higher cost compared to other types of hybrid cars and, consequently, compared to conventional combustion vehicles.

How Do Plug-in Hybrid Cars Get Charged?

To charge a plug-in hybrid car, which as we mentioned is equipped with a specific charging socket, several power sources can be used, including a common household socket, a public charging station or a fast charging station. In addition, these vehicles can also make use of the combustion engine and the regenerative braking system to partially recharge the battery while driving.

Considering the size of the battery pack, the main method of recharging remains connection to an external power source, similar to fully electric cars. Charging times vary depending on the type of connection used.

On average, and values may of course differ depending on the specific model, a plug-in hybrid car needs about six hours for a full charge by plugging into a standard 3 kW household socket.

This time is reduced to about three hours when using a higher power wallbox, such as the 7.4 or 11 kW ones, designed specifically for home charging. For those who need an even faster charge, on-road fast-charging stations can further reduce the time to just 15-20 minutes for a full charge.

What are the Differences between Plug-in Hybrid Cars and Full Hybrid Vehicles?

There are substantial differences between plug-in hybrid cars and full hybrids, mainly related to battery capacity and charging mode. While full hybrids are equipped with an electric motor and a small battery pack, allowing electric-only driving for around 2-3 km without external charging, plug-in hybrids boast larger batteries and more powerful electric motors.

Concretely, a full hybrid vehicle has batteries with a capacity of around 1.5 kWh and electric motors with a power output of 30 to 40 kW. In contrast, a plug-in hybrid can have batteries of up to 18 kWh and electric motors with power ratings close to 70 kW. This difference results in the need for plug-in hybrids to be actively recharged, unlike full hybrids, which do not require this.

From a practical point of view, full hybrids offer the advantage of not needing to be recharged at a charging station, allowing short journeys in electric mode and ensuring lower consumption than pure combustion vehicles. However, they have higher initial and maintenance costs and higher emissions than plug-in hybrids.

On the other hand, plug-in hybrids are characterised by greater environmental sustainability due to their ability to travel longer distances in all-electric mode, thus reducing harmful emissions. These characteristics make them potentially more eligible for government incentives, although they are associated with higher costs, both in terms of purchase and running costs, due to the greater weight of the battery pack, which affects consumption in thermal mode.

The choice between the two types depends on various factors, such as cost and the availability of charging infrastructure in your area.

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What are the most economical plug-in hybrid cars?

The 10 cheapest plug-in hybrid cars of 2024 include a variety of models that offer an interesting combination of energy efficiency, performance and technology. These include:

1. Renault Captur E-Tech: It boasts an electric range of 50 km and a 160 hp motor, with charging times of 5 hours from a domestic socket and 3 hours from a quick charging station or wallbox. Prices from 21,550 euros (including VAT, excluding road tax and pfu contribution).
2. Lynk & Co 01: A crossover with 261 hp of total power, an electric range of 75 km and charging times ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 hours. The Lynk & Co 01 price list highlights 35,000 euros for the 197 hp full hybrid HEV with 7-speed automatic transmission and 40,700 euros for the 261 hp plug-in hybrid.
3. Jeep Renegade 4xE: Offers up to 240 hp and 50 km of electric range, recharging in 3.5 hours via Wallbox. List Price 42,899 euro including Easy Wallbox (IPT and ELT contribution excluded). Promo Price 34,550 euro.
4. Kia Ceed SW PHEV: A station wagon with 141 hp and 57 km of electric range. There is also a Kia XCeed PHEV crossover variant. List price: 41,700 euro, Promotional price (only valid with ‘K-Lease’ contract and including 4,000 euro Ecobonus): 30,807 euro, plus finance charges.
5. MG EHS: An economical SUV with good value for money, offering 52 km of electric range and 284 hp of total power. Price: 29,590 euros (already including Ecobonus worth 4,000 euros).
6. Peugeot 308 Plug-In Hybrid: Available in versions from 150 to 225 hp, with an electric range of up to 66 km. For the 180 hp hybrid version, the starting price is 37,900 euro, while for the 225 hp hybrid with GT Pack trim, at the top of the range, the list price is 44,600 euro.
7. Opel Astra Hybrid: Combines 180 hp total power with an electric range of 58 km. Here are the Italian prices of the new Opel Astra Hybrid: Opel Astra Hybrid 136 hp DCT6 Edition: 31,900 euro. Opel Astra Hybrid 136 hp DCT6 GS: 34,700 euros. Opel Astra Hybrid 136 hp DCT6 Ultimate: 38,600 euros.
8. Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e: A premium compact with an electric range of between 59 and 67 km and different engine types with power outputs of up to 245 hp. The 40 TFSI and S tronic Sportback version costs € 41,450 with a 1,395 cc plug-in hybrid engine (Euro 6d-TEMP).
9. Cupra Formentor E-Hybrid: Offers power outputs of 204 or 245 hp and an electric range of 59 km, with reduced consumption. CUPRA Formentor 1.4 e-HYBRID 204 hp DSG is available with a list price starting at 37,700 euros turnkey.
10. Kia Niro PHEV: A practical and spacious model with 183 hp and 59 km of electric range. The KIA Niro PHEV is available on the new car list at a base price of 42,200 euros.

These models represent a wide range of options for those looking for an affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle, combining a significant electric range with the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys.

Which Plug-in Hybrid Cars with Greater Autonomy?

In 2024, the plug-in hybrid cars (PHEVs) with the greatest electric range available in Europe include various models that are distinguished by their performance and battery capacity. 

Here are the top five:

1. GWM WEY 05: This Chinese SUV leads the ranking with 146 km of electric range, thanks to a 39.67 kWh battery. It offers 476 hp of total power and all-wheel drive.
2. GWM WEY 03: A slightly more compact SUV with 136 km of electric range, powered by a 2.0 turbo petrol and two electric motors for a total of 442 hp.
3. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4Matic Plug-in Hybrid: The European top model offers an electric range of 127-130 km with a 2.0 turbo petrol engine plus a 136 hp electric motor, for a total output of 313 hp or 381 hp in the 400 e version.
4. Range Rover Sport P460 PHEV AWD Automatic: Features 123 km of electric range, thanks to a 38.2 kWh battery and a 460 hp 3.0 petrol engine.
5. Range Rover P460e PHEV AWD Automatic: Offers a similar electric range of 121 km, with the same engine-battery set-up as the Sport version.

When is it worth buying a plug-in hybrid car?

The plug-in hybrid car emerges as an ideal solution for those seeking a compromise between sustainability and driving convenience, especially in specific contexts of use:

• These vehicles excel in efficiency on urban journeys due to their ability to operate in full electric mode at low speeds, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.
• If you have easy access to charging points, both public and private, the plug-in hybrid car offers the possibility of maximising the use of electricity for zero-emission journeys, further contributing to fuel cost savings.
• Drivers who travel a few kilometres annually will benefit from the electric range of plug-in hybrid cars, which are ideal for covering moderate distances predominantly in electric mode and using the combustion engine only when necessary.
• Despite a potentially higher initial cost, the plug-in hybrid car promises long-term savings through lower running costs, access to tax incentives, and privileged access to regulated urban areas (such as restricted traffic zones).

Carefully assessing one’s lifestyle, driving habits and recharging opportunities is, therefore, crucial in determining whether a plug-in hybrid car is the most appropriate choice for one’s needs, offering a balance between energy efficiency and flexibility of use.

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