A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, also known as a PHEV, is not the same as a conventional hybrid vehicle, though there are similarities. Learn how a Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid car works and how it compares to hybrid cars and all-electric vehicles.

What Is a Plug-in Hybrid Car?

A plug-in hybrid car contains a combustible engine just like the ones found in non-hybrid vehicles. It also contains an electric motor. The motor is where the vehicle gets the bulk of its power from. You can charge the motor by plugging the vehicle into a standard wall outlet or at a public charging station. The engine and regenerative braking also play a part in charging the high-voltage battery, which then powers the motor.

Plug-in hybrids still consume gasoline to power the combustible engine. However, this only comes into play as an emergency reserve.

Comparisons to a Hybrid Vehicle

Regular hybrid vehicles also have a combustible engine paired to an electric motor and high-voltage battery. The difference is that a hybrid acquires its power equally from both the combustible engine and electric motor. In this sense, it uses more fuel than a PHEV but far less than a conventional gas-powered vehicle.

Unlike a plug-in hybrid, you cannot plug-in to charge a hybrid vehicle’s electric motor. Instead, the power comes from the gasoline engine and regenerative braking.

Comparisons to an Electric Vehicle (EV)

PHEVs and EVs are similar in that both can be charged from a wall outlet or public charging station. EVs, though, do not have a combustible engine. It gets 100% of its power from the electric motor. As such, EVs do not require gasoline.

Come by MotorWorld Mitsubishi to see our latest plug-in hybrid models, which include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. A plug-in hybrid is a good middle-of-the-road option if you want to use less fuel but aren’t ready to fully commit to an all-electric vehicle.