What is the Difference Between Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid Electric Vehicles?
2 Answers
Differences between plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles: 1. License plates: Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be registered with green license plates; hybrid electric vehicles cannot. 2. Power source: Plug-in hybrid vehicles can use an external power source to charge the battery; hybrid electric vehicles cannot. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are currently a popular type of car, and many consumers have purchased them under the encouragement of national policies. Like pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles are classified as new energy vehicles. Purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle also exempts buyers from paying purchase tax.
The main differences between plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids lie in the charging method and battery size. Plug-in hybrids come with a charging port and have larger battery capacity, allowing them to run purely on electricity for 50-100 kilometers, making them practically oil-free for daily commutes. My residential area has convenient charging stations; plugging in at night gives a full charge by morning, costing just a few cents per kilometer in electricity. Regular hybrids cannot be charged externally and rely on the engine to charge the battery, with pure electric driving limited to just 2-3 kilometers before automatically switching to gasoline. Plug-in hybrids qualify for green license plates and enjoy policy benefits, but without charging facilities, they become regular cars with high fuel consumption. Regular hybrids eliminate charging concerns—just refuel and go, offering more peace of mind for long trips, though they lack advantages in price and license plate policies.