Thereâs a lot to consider when purchasing your next vehicle. Car or crossover? Which color suits you best? Do you really need all the newest features? You can add whether you want a gas engine, hybrid, or fully electric vehicle to that list of questions now, too. If youâre considering an EV but arenât quite ready to make the switch from gas, a plug-in hybrid might be just what youâre looking for. Not sure what a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is or how it works? Hereâs everything you need to know about plug-in hybrids!
What is a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, is a type of hybrid electric vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine, electric motors, and a battery. While a hybrid electric vehicle doesnât require charging, a PHEV does. It can run on all-gas power, hybrid power, or fully electric when powered by a charged battery. The battery can be charged in a few ways. First of all, as stated in the name, is to plug in the vehicle like you would an electric car. That requires a 120V or 240V wall outlet, and some can even be charged with a DC fast charger. Most PHEVs are also equipped with regenerative braking, which makes use of the kinetic energy thatâs usually wasted during braking to send small doses of energy to the battery.
So, how much driving range does a plug-in hybrid have? If you look at the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, you can expect a combined 420 miles using both the gas engine and electric motors. It falls at the high end of all-electric driving ranges at 38 miles on a single charge, which is great for running errands around the city. The best part is that it also has the gas-powered engine when you need it.

Find Your Plug-In Hybrid in San Jose
Do you want to experience what itâs like to drive a plug-in hybrid for yourself? Schedule your test drive today at San Jose Mitsubishi! We currently have a great selection of 2023 models with 2024 models arriving soon. Check out our inventory online or pay us a visit today!