Across Canada, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have become increasingly popular, representing a very small but growing share of the market. They offer a middle ground between battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which are fully electric, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Unlike regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids can and should be — you guessed it — plugged in. Doing so is the best way to recharge the high-voltage battery. Running on electricity alone, PHEVs typically have a driving range of anywhere from 30 to 70 kilometres. After that, an onboard combustion engine will kick in to get you the rest of the way. Combined gas and electric driving range can be more than 800 kilometres.
PHEVs are good for drivers who are looking to buy a cleaner vehicle but, for a variety of reasons, aren’t quite ready to make the jump to a BEV.
For a specific type of driver, the PHEV can be a good choice. When evaluating whether a PHEV is right for you or not, consider the total cost of ownership and carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your needs and how you use your vehicle. Here are some things to consider.
PROS
- typically cheaper to purchase than a comparable BEV
- lower fuel costs than a comparable ICE vehicle, if plugged in often and driven in electric mode
- low emissions when running in electric mode
- can offer BEV’s rapid acceleration and “peppiness,” thanks to the electric motor
- a good solution for drivers who must occasionally travel long distances to areas where there are no EV charging stations
CONS
- typically more expensive to purchase than a comparable ICE vehicle
- higher fuel costs than a comparable ICE vehicle, if rarely plugged in and running on gas
- high emissions when running on gasoline, since the battery, once depleted, is added weight
- work best if you have a place to recharge them overnight or at work
- found by Consumer Reports to be, on average, less reliable than BEVs or ICE vehicles
- much less electric driving range than a BEV, plus the added hassle of plugging in and refuelling
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