THE HOT HYBRID EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT

It’s the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which runs on electric power for shorter drives—but can switch to gas for longer trips, so you don’t need to stop and recharge.

BY KEITH BARRY

If you are considering plugging into the electric vehicle revolution but worry about the potential hassles and uncertainties of charging on the road, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV, for short) could be the right car for you. PHEVs bridge the gap between a regular hybrid and an EV. Unlike a regular hybrid, which recharges its battery using only its gas engine and brakes, a PHEV can also be plugged in to add electric-only range, usually between 20 and 40 miles. It can charge overnight from a standard household outlet, so you don’t need to purchase and install a special charger. Once the electric range is depleted, the gas engine provides power for longer trips. If you, like a majority of Americans, tend to drive less than 40 miles a day,…

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Consumer Reports (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2024

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