There is a significant difference between regular hybrid vehicles, sometimes referred to as “hybrid EVs” (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Because of their much larger battery packs, which can be charged by “plugging in,” PHEVs have many of the features and advantages of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and can drive on 100% electric power at highway speeds for distances up to 50 miles. After the battery pack is discharged, PHEVs drive just like a regular hybrid vehicle (with its gasoline engine) for long-distance travel.

Regular Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs)

A regular hybrid provides an electric “assist” for the gasoline engine and is often capable of driving “all electric” only for short distances at low speeds, such as in stop-and-go traffic. Compared to PHEVs, regular hybrids have smaller electric motors and smaller battery packs. In regular hybrids, the electric motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration (when the engine is least efficient) and the battery is recharged from the power of the gasoline engine. They drive just like a standard gas-powered vehicle but with better fuel economy (5–10% better for “mild hybrids” and 20–40% better for “full hybrids”). The hybrid’s gasoline engine requires the same maintenance as that of a non-hybrid, gas-powered vehicle: oil changes, replacing filters (oil, air and fuel), maintaining coolant levels, and monitoring belts and hoses.

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs)

PHEVs have a more powerful electric motor and a significantly larger battery pack. PHEVs have BEV-like advantages over hybrids because their battery pack can be charged from external electricity  sources. PHEVs typically have an all-electric range of 30 to 50 miles; for most drivers who commute to work, the daily drive averages 30 to 35 miles and can be covered with all-electric driving of a PHEV. For longer drives beyond this all-electric range, PHEVs drive just like a regular hybrid using their gasoline engine.

The PHEV battery pack can be fully charged overnight on a standard house current (120V) or within 2 or 3 hours with a 240V level-2 charger. With thoughtful recharging, the average PHEV can be driven under full electric power for over 90% of miles driven. PHEVs have the same advantages of BEVs within their all-electric range, but (unlike BEVs) they do not cause “range anxiety” when driving greater distances.

The main disadvantage of PHEVs is that they require similar maintenance to that of regular hybrids because of their gasoline engines. In contrast, BEVs, because of their simpler all-electric drivetrains, require minimal maintenance. For routine commuting, PHEVs can offer excellent cost savings over regular hybrid or non-hybrid vehicles because the per-mile “fuel” cost of driving electric is less than half that of non-hybrid gasoline vehicles.

With a PHEV, most of your driving can be “all electric” with no tailpipe emissions. To take advantage of the “fully electric” features of a PHEV, it is necessary to plug in and charge your vehicle, which is most conveniently done at home.

Currently, in Connecticut, both PHEVs and BEVs qualify for state rebates through the CHEAPR program; in addition, Connecticut electric utilities provide an ongoing rebate (up to $300 a year) for “managed charging” during off-peak hours.

Find out more about PHEVs during National Drive Electric Month (NDEM).

Photo: Daphne Dixon of Live Green CT talks with attendee about electric vehicles. Vehicles on display include the Town of West Hartford Nutrition Services E-Transit Van. | Photo Credit: Sierra Club Connecticut

Learn about BEVs and PHEVs at NDEM Events from September 11 to October 12, 2026. At NDEM events, you can talk directly with electric vehicle owners about their experiences driving and charging their vehicles. Test rides or drives are also available at most events. To locate a nearby NDEM event, enter your zip code at the top of the NDEM home page.

Beva Nall-Langdon is a member of the Sierra Club and has organized annual NDEM

events in Connecticut since 2018.