Are you interested in driving an electric vehicle but fear being tethered to an EV charger?
You might prefer an intermediary step — buying a plug-in hybrid. A plug-in hybrid combines an EV battery pack with an internal combustion engine to offer the best of both worlds.
Here are 16 reasons to buy a plug-in hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle.
You Can See What the Fuss Is All About
A plug-in hybrid is an option if you want an EV but aren’t ready to commit to a fully electric car. You’ll get the EV experience without sacrificing the familiarity of a gas engine. Many people who buy plug-ins graduate to EVs afterward. Maybe you’ll be one of them.
Your Short Commutes Are Perfect for a Plug-Hybrid’s Limited Range
According to Kelley Blue Book, you can drive a plug-in hybrid as many as 40 miles on electric-online mode before the gas engine kicks in. Unless you have a long daily commute, electric-only mode may be enough. But you’ll have a gas engine to tap into just in case.
You Can Choose Between EV Charging Stations and Gas Stations
You can choose between using an EV charger and a gas station. That can be a game-changer whether around and about town or on a long road trip. You’ll easily find refueling options rather than stress out over the unavailability of EV charging stations.
You Can Save Money Buying a Plug-In Over an EV
Another reason to consider a plug-in hybrid over an EV is the cost. You’ll pay less for the former than the latter. According to Edmunds, 1,242,608 hybrids versus 1,077,138 EVs were sold in 2023. So, consumers have taken a liking to plug-in and non-plug-in hybrids.
You Can Conquer Range Anxiety
Some people fear EVs because of range anxiety. You won’t have to worry about that with a plug-in hybrid. You can fill the gas tank if EV charging stations aren’t nearby. There won’t be any range anxiety issues to dampen your enthusiasm on a road trip.
You Might Need One If You Live Where EV Charging Stations Are Sparse
Do you live in an area where it’s hard to find EV charging stations? If so, a plug-in hybrid might be better than an EV. You won’t be limited to the minimal availability of public charging options. Gas stations are more plentiful, so you can go that route if necessary.
You’ll Have Backup When Bad Weather Decimates Range
Extreme temperatures can substantially reduce driving ranges. Some sources suggest that driving on a cold winter day can slash ranges by nearly half. If you rely on an EV, that can cause problems. But a plug-in hybrid with a gas engine gives you the convenience of a gas tank.
You’ll Enjoy Road Trips More With a Plug-In Hybrid
Going on a road trip in an EV can be a frustrating experience. While some EVs offer acceptable ranges between charges, others offer so-so levels of driving range. On a long road trip, you might get sick and tired of the frequent stops to charge. A plug-in hybrid can be a more suitable road-tripping vehicle since you can quickly refuel at gas stations.
You’ll Deal With Less Depreciation
According to one source, EVs lose up to 49.1% of their value over 60 months versus an average of 37.4% for hybrids. Buying a plug-in hybrid over an EV is a good idea to sidestep a massive depreciation hit.
You Won’t Have to Go Fully Electric If You Don’t Want to
Even though the EV space is expanding, you might not be fully onboard. Some people like internal combustion engines and don’t see themselves leaving that to go fully electric. But they might be open to plug-in hybrids that give them the benefits of an EV without giving up gas entirely.
You Can Wait Things Out and See How the EV Space Develops
The EV industry is changing at a rapid pace. You might not be willing to go all-out and buy an EV — perhaps ending up with ancient technology a mere few months later. Waiting on the sidelines might be best. But if you get a plug-in hybrid, you can enjoy some EV benefits. Should you wish to sell it, the resale value will be better than if you have an EV due to the lighter depreciation hit.
You Won’t Have to Worry If You Lack Home Charging
A plug-in hybrid makes sense if you can’t charge an EV at home. Some people don’t have home-charging capabilities. If you get a hybrid, you can rely on your gas tank.
You Won’t Have to Wait Long to Charge Up
The charging time is relatively short because plug-in hybrids have small batteries versus EVs. That’s another win for plug-ins. You won’t be stuck for what seems like forever waiting to charge.
You Can Use a Plug-In Worry-Free In Rural and Urban Areas
While an EV might be out of place in some settings, a plug-in is suited for urban and rural use. You might have a home in the city and a cottage or cabin in the country. A plug-in hybrid is suited for both environments because of its battery pack and internal combustion engine.
You Can Still Use Regenerative Braking
One benefit of EVs is regenerative braking — but it’s also available on plug-in hybrids. Regenerative braking captures energy and uses this energy to recharge the plug-in hybrid’s battery. That means it will increase the driving range and boost efficiency.
You Want to Support the Fossil Fuel Sector
According to one source, the U.S. oil and natural gas sector supports 10.3 million jobs and nearly 8% of the country’s gross domestic product. If you or a family member works in the industry, you might not want to go fully electric. A plug-in hybrid might be a better option.
These Are Some Good Reasons to Get a Plug-In Hybrid Over an EV
Whether you get an EV or a plug-in hybrid is up to you. Consider these 16 reasons for going with a plug-in hybrid. If they resonate with you, your next vehicle might be of the plug-in variety.
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