What’s the Difference Between Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid?

You’ve decided that you want to upgrade your commutes to Murrieta and beyond with a hybrid vehicle, but now you’re wondering about Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid. What are the differences between them? What about the Toyota Prius vs. Toyota Prius Prime? While you’ve likely seen hybrid models on the road over the years, the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid models can be confusing. Both models rely on gas engines and electric power for your trips around Lake Elsinore, but what benefits do they add to your driving experience? Find out more about the difference between hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid models with Temecula Valley Toyota, and then contact us to schedule a test drive of a brand new Toyota Prius Prime today.

Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid

Comparing the base characteristics of hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid models, both models are powered by a combination of traditional gas engines and electric motors. However, a conventional hybrid vehicle uses gas and electric power simultaneously to power your Menifee trips, with the gas power used to charge their medium-sized battery. By contrast when you look at the plug-in hybrid models, it can also use gas engines and electric motors, but plug-in hybrid vehicles have the ability to solely use electric power and switch to gas when necessary. As the name suggests, the larger battery in plug-in hybrid models requires charging through a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charging unit. Learn more about the differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles by comparing their benefits below. 

Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid Models

As we mentioned, plug-in hybrid vehicles use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor like hybrid vehicles, however, how the energy is used differs between the two. At the start of your Menifee commutes, the plug-in hybrid car will run solely on electric power until the battery is drained where the gas engine will then take over. This means you can think of your gas engine as a backup plan for when your battery is depleted. How far your vehicle runs on electric power is called the electric range. Once you’ve reached the end of the vehicle’s electric range, you’ll need to plug your car in at a public charging station or recharge your battery once you get home. 

Benefits of Hybrid Models

When comparing hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid, you’ll find a hybrid vehicle doesn’t stray too far from your usual gas-powered performance around Lake Elsinore. As your hybrid model uses both gas and electric power, you’ll notice a drastic improvement to your fuel economy with uninterrupted performance as your battery recharges as you drive. When your driving experience takes you all around town, a hybrid vehicle offers benefits to your mpg and allows you to continue your normal driving habits without much of a learning curve. 

Take Home a Toyota Prius Prime Today from Temecula Valley Toyota

No matter which model you decide to take home, both the Prius and Prius Prime are going to greatly change how you view your road trips. Take a closer look at the outstanding fuel economy of every Toyota model, and then once you’ve found the one that interests you, our finance department can help you find the buying option that works with your needs and budget.