Hybrids and EVs are seen as the future of vehicles, yet there is another type called the Plug-in Hybrid, also known as PHEV, and what are the differences between them and why is this type of vehicle getting popular amongst people?
Plug-in Hybrids
Since we know that hybrids are vehicles that incorporate both a combustion engine and an electric motor, but the electric motor can only rely on the combustion engine or movement of the vehicle to recharge its battery.
The difference of a plug-in hybrid is that the vehicle can be connected to an external charger to recharge its batteries, much like EVs, in addition to recharging with the combustion engine or the vehicle’s motion.
Another difference is that the plug-in hybrid will run on its electric motors as its main source of power, only changing to the combustion engine when the battery runs out, so it’s more like an electric vehicle with a backup combustion engine to generate power for the motor.
Why do people choose plug-in hybrids?
People are now leaning more towards plug-in hybrids compared to hybrids, as they are closer to an electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrids often have larger batteries, and can rely on their electric motors longer than conventional hybrids, which some people will prefer more.
Some people are also worried about the range of electric vehicles, especially in Malaysia where charging stations are not that widespread yet, so they could get stranded if their vehicle runs out of battery, so a plug-in hybrid that has the combustion engine for a backup will relieve their worries.
Now you might be thinking, plug-in hybrids can be charged with electricity, and still has a combustion engine, so does that mean it has two places that can be charged and refuelled?
The answer is yes, where there are different ports for each the fuel tank and the battery.
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