Hybrid Cars: The next generation of hybrid electric vehicles - Plug-in Hybrids

Hybrid Cars: The next generation of hybrid electric vehicles - Plug-in Hybrids

Compared to standard hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer even greater fuel economy and diversity and fewer emissions.

Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery pack than a standard hybrid electric vehicle. This allows plug-in hybrids to operate predominantly on electricity for short trips. For longer trips, a plug-in hybrid draws liquid fuel from its onboard tank, which provides comparable driving range to a conventional vehicle. The vehicle's onboard computer chooses when to use which fuel most efficiently.

Unlike a battery used in a standard hybrid electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrid battery can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet at home or even at the workplace. And the electricity used to recharge its battery can be generated by a renewable energy source, such as solar, wind, or biomass. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can also draw from an alternative fuel in its onboard tank.