# Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: What’s the Difference?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/hybrid-vs-plug-in-hybrid-whats-the-difference/
- Published: 2019-04-16T17:59:11-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Hybrid cars vs plug-in hybrid cars are making a big name for themselves. Drivers
are learning to become more eco-conscious and eco-friendly in regards to their driving
habits. Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly ways of
driving. As hybrid cars become the norm, the question arises – what will be the 
next big step in fuel-efficient vehicle manufacturing?

## Plug-in Hybrid

This is where plug-in hybrids fit in. They are widely considered the next big step
in environmentally friendly travel. Having a hybrid engine isn’t the only benefit.
[Plug-in](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/08/toyota-c-hr-2024-fresh-take-on-small-crossovers/)
hybrids can also be plugged into an electronic source and recharged from there.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_2800.jpg?
resize=135%2C101&quality=52&ssl=1)

There are many different levels of hybrid, plug-in hybrids, and completely electric
vehicles. However, plug-in [hybrids typically drive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/honda-cr-v-hybrid-sport-test-drive-insights-2025/)
almost completely off a battery power source alone, rather than an electric motor
and a gas engine like a typical hybrid does. They still do contain a gas engine,
but it is usually much smaller. It only serves as a reserve energy source to charge
the battery when the [car cannot be plugged into an electrical](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/01/robert-f-kennedy-jr-declares-electric-car-superior/)
outlet. Plug-in hybrids, therefore, bridge the gap between hybrid [vehicles and completely electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/high-voltage-insights-from-jim-motavallis-book/)
vehicles.

### Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid 

Now that battery powered plug-in hybrids are on the scene, the difference between
these two types of hybrid vehicles can be explored by consumers looking to purchase
from [buy here pay here car dealerships](https://www.automax.net/buy-here-pay-here-at-automax-raliegh-durham).

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015-lexus-nx-
300h-hybrid-nebula-gray-pearl-rear-profile-overlay-1204x677-lexnxhmy150026.jpg?resize
=135%2C75&quality=52&ssl=1)

## The Cost

As with any new technology, the price of ownership is generally quite high at first.
Gradually, it comes down over time as technology inevitably becomes more efficient
to manufacture. Plug-in technology is relatively new and is, therefore, more expensive
than regular hybrid technology. This expense mainly comes down to the batteries.
[Plug-in hybrids need bigger batteries](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/08/johnson-controls-saft-advanced-power-solutions-to-power-dodge-sprinter-plug-in-hybrid/)
than regular hybrids if they are to travel further on battery power alone.

![Thanks Ford Motor Company for building your own electric, plugin hybrid and hybrid
cars](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140124-215241.
jpg?resize=135%2C84&quality=52&ssl=1)

There are two types of batteries that are typically employed in these types of cars:
nickel-metal hydride and Lithium Ion. Lithium Ion is more efficient, and also more
expensive. On average, a customer can expect to spend about 10 to 20 percent more
when purchasing a [plug-in](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/mercedes-s400-e400-hybrids-loved-by-celebs-and-customers-all-over/)
hybrid as opposed to a regular hybrid counterpart. So, a sedan plug-in hybrid will
normally cost an extra 2,000 dollars. While an SUV will be an extra 5,000 dollars.
This can be enough to put off some people, even with the availability of [poor credit car loans](https://www.automax.net/benefits-of-financing-at-automax-youngsville-nc).

#### Plug-in hybrid more EV

However, more batteries mean longer distances on nothing but battery power, and 
that means much less gas in the long run when [driving a plug-in hybrid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/ford-maverick-hybrid-2025-test-drive-results/)
instead of a traditional hybrid. When gas prices go up, the savings from a plug-
in increase even more.  

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2013-11-05-10-
48-16.jpg?resize=135%2C180&quality=52&ssl=1)

For example, the 2016 Toyota Prius Eco (hybrid) is rated at the equivalent of 56
miles per gallon and the [2017 Toyota Prius Prime](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/01/exclusive-interview-of-debbie-levin-president-of-environmental-media-association-regarding-her-time-at-standing-rock/)(
hybrid plug-in) is rated at the equivalent of 78 miles per gallon. In electric-only
mode, this rises to the equivalent of 133 miles per gallon.

### Environmental Impact of hybrid vs plug-in hybrid

One of the main selling points of hybrid vehicles is that they are better for the
environment than standard gasoline powered cars. As greenhouse gases and carbon 
emissions continue to change the climate, people understand that they have a responsibility
to take steps in reducing their own personal carbon footprint.

Standard hybrid vehicles use far less gasoline than the standard gas-powered vehicle,
and plug-in hybrids take that concept even further. By running almost purely on 
batteries, plug-in hybrids can travel long distances while hardly using any gas 
at all.

A study commissioned by The Department of Energy found that a typical hybrid car
reduces the emission of greenhouse gases by about 22 percent, while battery-powered
plug-in hybrids reduced emissions by 36 percent. In addition to this, plug-in hybrids
have the potential to avoid emitting greenhouse gases altogether. This is possible
by running on biofuels or by recharging via solar-powered methods.

#### Convenience of plug-in hybrid

The ability to charge one’s car at home overnight is a plus. It’s far more convenient
than having to stop at a gas station every day. Gas stations trips could theoretically
be given up altogether when [driving a plug-in hybrid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/03/toyota-prius-nightshade-plug-in-hybrid-test-drive-results/),
especially when considering shorter trips.

On the other hand, traditional hybrids have a convenience edge when considering 
longer trips. Standard hybrids only need to be taken to a gas station to get their
full range of mileage from the gas-powered engine. When the engine is full, the 
battery in a standard hybrid can constantly recharge itself. This is done through
a process called regenerative braking. Some of the energy from braking is used to
recharge the battery. Plug-in hybrids have this ability too. But charging stations
will need to be available at more gas stations in order for long distance travel
to be feasible.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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