Are you itching to drive an electric vehicle? Automakers are rolling out new makes and models, driving ranges are improving, and charging infrastructure is growing.
But if you’re still parked on the sidelines because of range anxiety issues and want a compromise between a gas car and an EV, the solution might be a plug-in hybrid.
Such vehicles combine battery power and engine power, says David VanAlstyne, chapter lead for the Electric Vehicle Society’s Barrie-Orillia Chapter in Ontario, Canada.
“Someone who has a shorter commute and goes with a plug-in hybrid will still get many of the benefits of not having to pay for gas — plus the peace of mind that they have a gas engine,” says VanAlstyne, who drives a 2019 Nissan Leaf after upgrading from a 2012 model.
But does that mean a plug-in hybrid is the way to go? The answer might surprise you. So, keep on reading.
Plug-in Hybrids Are the Gateway to EVs
While a plug-in hybrid might seem like a good compromise for those who want an EV and an internal combustion engine, VanAlstyne says many drivers who go this route eventually swap theirs for EVs. After owning plug-in hybrids, driving them, and using EV charging stations, these motorists tend to lose their range anxiety that fueled their plug-in hybrid purchases.
So, is it true that people who start with plug-in hybrids will probably get over their range anxiety? Considering that the right EV will offer most people sufficient range for their use cases, plug-in hybrids may be a baby step some motorists need before going fully electric.
Here’s a look at 14 reasons you’ll probably move on to an EV if you buy a plug-in hybrid.
Plug-in Hybrids Are Best for Shorter Commutes
Have you ever heard the saying that a jack of all trades is a master of none? That’s the case with plug-in hybrids. They offer some of the benefits of an EV and some of the benefits of an internal combustion engine car, which means they fall short on both fronts. It’s a compromise.
Unless you have short commutes, you might long for an EV or a gas-powered car in short order. VanAlstyne says there are few use cases where a plug-in hybrid beats an EV.
You Might Upset EV Owners at Charging Stations
Some EV drivers might not take too kindly to seeing a plug-in hybrid driver using an EV charging station spot. An EV owner who can only charge at an EV charging station might reason that the plug-in hybrid driver could fill up the gas tank at a gas station.
EVs Are More Environmentally Friendly Than Plug-in Hybrids
If the goal is to reduce carbon emissions, you’ll want to go with an EV over a plug-in hybrid. Remember that a plug-in hybrid has a gas engine that will produce tailpipe emissions. So, an EV makes more sense than a plug-in hybrid for stewards of the environment.
The Charging Infrastructure Is Getting Better
Another reason you’ll probably upgrade to an EV if you buy a plug-in hybrid is the charging infrastructure is better than ever and continues to improve. Yes, there are still challenges. But you can find EV charging infrastructure much easier today than even a year ago.
Plug-in Hybrid Fuel Efficiency Numbers Underwhelming
According to one source, you’ll likely get fewer miles to the gallon from a plug-in hybrid than a regular gas or diesel car. If that’s the case, you might as well stick with an internal combustion engine car or upgrade to an EV.
Electric-Only Range Can Be Aggravating
If you buy a plug-in hybrid, you might soon get frustrated with the minuscule electric-only range. That range might be enough if you work from home or have a short commute to and from work, but you’ll be tapping into the gas engine regularly if you do a lot of long-distance driving.
You Still Have to Visit Gas Stations if You Drive a Plug-in Hybrid
Many EV drivers love that they no longer have to spend time and money at gas stations several times weekly. But if you go with a plug-in hybrid, you’ll still spend time filling the gas tank. Yes, a smaller tank means less money to fill it. But you might long for an EV instead.
Plug-in Hybrids Require Frequent Charging
Buying a plug-in hybrid means you’ll have to get used to stopping at charging stations more often than you might like. Sure, the smaller battery means shorter charging times. But it also means having to stop to recharge more frequentyly. That’ll be a headache on a long trip.
Efficiency May Drop After Electric Capacity Is Spent
While having a battery and a motor might seem like a good idea, some plug-in hybrids have less efficiency than regular hybrids after the battery is empty. Do you want to deal with that?
Complexity Could Lead to Higher Repair Bills
A plug-in hybrid with a battery and gas engine is more complex than an EV since the former features a two-part drivetrain. Costs could climb if you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic.
You Might Get Tired of Doing Oil Changes
Since a plug-in hybrid has a gas engine, you’ll have to do the sort of maintenance you’d do with an internal combustion engine car. Yes, that means oil changes. You might grow weary of that and seek to upgrade to an EV.
You Might Grow Weary of a Vehicle With Split Personalities
While you might buy a plug-in hybrid because of the benefits of an EV and an engine, you might come to a point where you’re tired of driving something that’s basically a compromise.
You Don’t Want to Get Stuck With ‘Old’ Tech
As the EV space continues to grow and ranges keep expanding, there may come a day when plug-in hybrids don’t make any sense. They may become relics of the EV space’s early days.
Plug-In Hybrid Resale Value Could Drop
VanAlstyne says some plug-in hybrid owners may transition to EVs to sidestep or lessen the impact if there’s a resale value hit. He explains that falling EV prices, combined with the relatively low total cost of ownership, will make internal combustion engine cars less popular.
And this can reduce the resale values of newly purchased internal combustion cars and plug-in hybrids.
Are Plug-in Hybrids Worth the Investment?
While a plug-in hybrid offers advantages over an internal combustion engine car, a plug-in hybrid might be one stop on the way to an EV for many motorists.
“Most of the people in my circles who have bought plug-in hybrids eventually end up with full battery electric vehicles in the long run,” says VanAlstyne. “They discover, after driving them for a while, that the worry or anxiety about finding charging stations on their route diminishes.”
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