Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid vehicles (HEVs) are two of the three types of zero-emission vehicles. What sets them apart from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is both models use a combination of electricity and gasoline to power the vehicle. While they share similarities, PHEVs and HEVs are two different types of vehicles. In this article, we’ll look at each model, how they operate, their pros and cons, and the most affordable models available in Canada.
What are Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids?
As mentioned above, HEVs and PHEVs use gasoline and electricity to power the vehicle. Both have a gas engine plus an electric motor that gets power from a battery pack. However, HEVs and PHEVs differ in how they operate.
In a hybrid vehicle, the engine and electric motor work together to power the vehicle. At lower speeds, the electric motor powers the wheels. As the vehicle accelerates, the gas engine turns on and takes over. When the HEV comes to a stop, the engine turns off. The engine and electric motor are both activated when a lot of power is needed, such as quick acceleration or climbing a steep hill. All of these operations are done automatically by the vehicle’s onboard computer. You do not have to plug in an HEV to recharge the battery pack. Instead, the battery is partly recharged by a process called regenerative braking. When the brake pedal is pressed, a second electric motor is activated, which acts as a generator and sends power to the battery. When additional energy is needed, the gas engine powers the generator.
Plug-in hybrids combine elements of hybrids and electric vehicles into a single package. A PHEV’s battery is similar in size to that of an electric vehicle. Therefore, a PHEV operates similarly to a traditional EV. Once the battery power is low, plug-in hybrids operate like an HEV. Because the battery pack is larger, PHEVs need to be plugged in and charged like a fully electric vehicle. Level 1 charging can be used since a plug-in hybrid’s battery pack is smaller than a fully electric vehicle. This means you do not have to spend the money to install a Level 2 charging station.
Which type is right for you?
The answer to this question depends on your driving needs and budget. Hybrid vehicles tend to have better fuel efficiency for longer distances as most PHEVs lose their electric range quickly at highway speeds. HEVs on average also have a lower upfront cost than plug-in hybrids, which is ideal for drivers on a tight budget. People looking to lower their carbon footprint should consider plug-in hybrids; they produce lower tailpipe emissions than hybrids. While PHEVs are more expensive upfront, you could end up spending less on fuel and maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. Like traditional EVs, plug-in hybrids cost less to recharge and are typically more fuel-efficient than gasoline vehicles.
The benefits of hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
HEVs and PHEVs have several benefits, the main one being both models combine the advantages of gasoline cars and electric vehicles into a single package. In other words, you get the best of both worlds. PHEVs and HEVs are capable of reducing a large portion of tailpipe emissions without the range anxiety some drivers have with fully electric vehicles. Another benefit of hybrids and plug-in hybrids is their lower price point. HEVs and PHEVs are more affordable when compared to the average price of an electric vehicle, which is around $70,000. Furthermore, the high price of EVs is cited as one reason why people do not make the switch from gasoline vehicles. The affordability of PHEVs and HEVs could help drive the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in Canada.
The most affordable hybrids and plug-in hybrids in Canada
The following are some popular and affordable hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Canada in 2024.
- Starting at $26,790 MSRP
- Power Type: Hybrid
- Available incentives: N/A
- Fuel efficiency/driving range: 4.7L/100 km, 915 km on a full tank
- Charging time: N/A, battery is recharged via regenerative braking
- Emission CO2 level: 110 kg/year
- Starting at $38,595 MSRP
- Power type: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- Available incentives: Up to $5,000 for purchase or 48-month lease
- Fuel efficiency/driving range: 771 km combine range, 55 km battery range
- Charging time: 9 hours with Level 2 charging
- Emission CO2 level: 42 kg/year
- Starting at $30,499 MSRP
- Power type: Hybrid
- Available incentives: N/A
- Fuel efficiency/driving range: 4.7L/ 100km combined range, 894km fuel range
- Charging time: N/A, the battery is recharged via regenerative braking
- Emission CO2 level: 110 kg/year
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Starting at $48,198 MSRP
- Power type: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- Available incentives: Up to $5,000 for purchase or 48-month lease
- Fuel efficiency/driving range: 3.6 Le/100 km combined rating, 60.99 km battery range, 687 km total range
- Emission CO2 level: 70 kg/year
- Starting at $51,150 MSRP
- Power type: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- Available incentives: Up to $5,000 for purchase or 48-month lease
- Fuel efficiency/driving range: 2.5 Le/100 km combined, 68 km battery range, 950 km total range
- Emission CO2 level: 44 kg/year
Frequently asked questions about PHEVs and HEVs
How often should I charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
If you want to maximize the electric-only driving mode, then you should charge your PHEV every day. But thanks to its hybrid system, you have the freedom to skip one or several days of charging. The trade-off is a lower electric range and possibly less fuel efficiency.
What is the electrical range of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
On a full charge, a PHEV has an electric range of 30-60 km. This is smaller than the average range of an electric vehicle, which is around 200 km on a single charge.
How environmentally friendly are HEVs and PHEVs?
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles both contribute to reducing emissions in Canada. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, the estimated CO2 emissions of an average PHEV in 2025 will be 52% lower than a gasoline vehicle. However, their contributions are not as impactful as EVs due to their hybrid nature. Both models still use gasoline in some capacity, which invariably produces CO2 emissions.
