Plug-in Hybrid Car Pros and Cons: A Complete Guide

Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to transform the automobile industry with their unique and revolutionary technology. However, it will take several years for that revolution to occur. While electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, not everyone is interested in them.

In addition to electric cars, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are among the most viable options. Compared to traditional engines, they have the benefit of being able to transition between electric and conventional modes as needed. Our thorough reference to PHEVs will provide you with all the necessary information.

What are Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)?

It is a vehicle that combines an electric powertrain and a conventional internal combustion engine. Unlike a typical hybrid car, the PHEV features a larger battery pack, allowing it to operate solely on electric power at slower speeds.

You may recharge the battery by connecting it to an external power source. The battery can also be charged using regenerative braking or an internal combustion engine. When the automobile reaches high speeds, the IC engine may take over and propel it.

In some circumstances, the electric motor can help the engine achieve greater efficiency. A plug-in hybrid PHEV is comparable to a regular hybrid car, except for a bigger battery pack and the capacity to run entirely on electric power.

Are Plug-in Hybrids Expensive to Repair?

You may have heard that electric automobiles are cheaper to maintain than gasoline-powered vehicles. Consumer Reports published data that demonstrated this to be more than accurate. In reality, drivers of EVs save, on average, 50% more than owners of petrol cars throughout the car’s life. Furthermore, plug-in hybrids require less maintenance and repair than typical internal combustion automobiles. You can go and check with any trusted mechanic workshop or search for a car mechanic in Adelaide. After 100,000 miles of use, PHEVs cost less than EVs.

This is surprising given that plug-in hybrid cars in Australia are more complicated than gasoline-only vehicles and more complex overall than all-electric vehicles. PHEVs have additional components that may break or require maintenance. The vehicles are powered by gasoline-powered engines, transmissions, and electric motors. The addition of power electronics and a battery pack further complicates the equation.

Consumer Reports discovered that both electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles cost roughly three cents per mile to maintain and repair, as opposed to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which cost twice as much. An all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle‘s average lifetime maintenance cost (based on 200,000 miles) is $4,600, compared to $9,200 for conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.

In the long run, the plug-in hybrid is the most affordable form of car to purchase. CR does not explain this disparity. Perhaps the benefit arises from the long-term expense of fixing high-tech systems that are specific to electric hybrid SUVs. Perhaps altogether, EV repair costs are a little higher.

Is maintenance expensive? Do I have to pay for it?

Maintenance is significantly lower on electric cars because they have fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, raising the question of whether they would be equivalent, if not higher, to a PHEV. The answer is a resounding no; maintenance expenses for a PHEV are nearly reduced.

On average, owners of PHEVs may anticipate paying $0.32 per mile for maintenance, compared to about $0.60 per mile for normal combustion engines. This figure is mostly lowered since the engine shares time with an electric battery, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear and tear, requiring you to use car brake service or rotors less frequently, as well as your oil. 

Is the charging station maintenance-free? It is the most common problem with hybrid cars. This is an issue that few people contemplate. Most PHEV and EV owners choose a level 2 charging station, which reduces charging time by half. Level 2 charging stations cost $1,000 to $2,000 to install. In addition, the charging station will cost $400 each year to maintain. Many owners fail to consider this while purchasing a new PHEV. Including the expenses of charging stations in the overall cost is critical. 

How Does a Plug-in Hybrid Car Work?

Typically, PHEVs can go a specified distance on electricity. When the electric motor’s batteries are depleted, the best hybrid cars in Australia may switch to a petrol engine. Drivers who remain close to home or can charge on the move may be able to operate primarily on electricity. 

Many plug-in hybrid car owners appreciate the opportunity to charge at home. The most popular alternatives are a Level I charger that plugs into a conventional wall socket or a Level II charger that operates at 240 volts. Additionally, drivers may charge their PHEVs at commercial EV charging stations at shopping malls, petrol stations, or parking lots. These public charging stations will become increasingly common as PHEV use grows.

Pros & Cons of Plug-In Hybrids

The advantages and disadvantages of PHEVs are obvious. Here are two perspectives to consider.

Pros

For drivers who charge regularly, hybrid plug-ins can dramatically cut exhaust emissions and gasoline expenses. Typically, the longer the hybrid operates in electric mode, the larger the fuel savings, as hybrid car fuel efficiency is good. Solar energy systems can be used to charge PHEVs.

Many individuals are worried about the environment, particularly the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change. The more the automobile operates in electric mode, the less pollution it emits. Furthermore, certain PHEVs are eligible for a federal tax credit of $3,750 to $7,500, making them more affordable to car buyers.

PHEV ownership has another advantage: its repairs and maintenance are increasingly affordable while repairing a standard gasoline car is becoming more expensive. According to the report, real-world reliability and cost data were gathered from thousands of vehicle owners annually.

Cons

Some drivers may not have easy access to an EV charger or find it inconvenient to recharge. This is especially difficult for those who live in multi-family complexes. If a PHEV is not charged, the driver loses the benefits, and the car gets identical gas mileage to a regular hybrid vehicle.

PHEVs often have bigger batteries than HEVs, resulting in more expensive automobiles. This implies that if the battery is not charged regularly, part of its capacity will be lost. That time you need a car battery replacement service.

Conclusion

According to all accounts, PHEVs appear to be excellent vehicles, with cheaper maintenance costs, improved gas mileage, and longer ranges. This may be true. However, remember that the PHEV still has a significantly greater initial cost because it is only available on higher-level trims, and the add-on is costly. When deciding whether to acquire a PHEV, keep these expenditures in mind. Electric vehicles appear to be an excellent alternative, but they have several aspects that must be considered.