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Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: Key Differences, Pros and Cons, Cost Analysis & More

As hybrid technology evolves, car buyers are faced with a critical choice—should they go for a standard hybrid or invest in a plug-in hybrid? Understanding the differences between these two technologies is essential before making a decision.

In today's guide, let us delve into these factors and deeply scrutinise the topic of hybrid vs plug-in hybrid.

Team Digit

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?
What is a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle?
Key Differences
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Vehicles
Pros and Cons of Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
Cost Analysis
Which is More Environmentally Friendly?
Charging and Recharging
Are Plug-in Hybrids Worth the Investment?
Final Verdict
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

Hybrid vehicles, commonly called HEVs, use an electric motor mechanism and an internal combustion engine (ICE) to power their operation. They are widely popular among motorists because of their reduced emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency.

Some HEVs can use both power sources simultaneously based on their powertrain design and prevailing driving conditions. Some top-rated hybrid cars in India include the Toyota Camry, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus ES, BMW X7 and Maruti Suzuki Invicto.

What is a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle?

Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, are a more advanced version of hybrid cars. On top of having an electric motor and a petrol engine, these cars feature batteries with increased capacities. You can plug them into a power source from outside, like a charging station or any regular electrical outlet.

The above-mentioned distinguishing feature allows PHEVs to offer more electric-only driving ranges than hybrid cars. Hence, you can rely on their electric motors longer before the petrol engine finally starts.

Key Differences Between Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

In the following table, you can notice some of the major differences between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid car:

Parameters	Hybrids	Plug-in Hybrids
Engine/Motor Size	A hybrid car's electric motor supports the engine by powering it over short distances and at moderate speeds.	PHEVs have stronger batteries that can power the cars for longer commutes. You can solely drive these vehicles on electricity until their batteries completely drain.
Fuel Efficiency	Hybrid cars give you more fuel economy than conventional four-wheelers that run on internal combustion engines.	PHEVs can be driven solely by their electric power, allowing you not to purchase petrol even for a week.
Charging	Batteries in these cars recharge using the power generated by the vehicle’s regenerative braking mechanism.	Someone must plug the PHEVs into an external power source to recharge their batteries for efficient operation.
Battery Size and Cost (Approximate)	0.6 kWh to 2.4 kWh, with the price ranging from ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs	5 kWh to 15 kWh with a starting price of ₹4.5 lakhs to ₹9 lakhs

What are the Pros and Cons of Hybrid Vehicles?

Hybrid vehicles offer unique advantages, but they also come with trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros	Cons
By occasionally switching to electricity mode, you can reduce tailpipe emissions, which enables you to reduce environmental impact without compromisning on your driving experience.	Whether you buy or rent a hybrid car, it will cost you more than a similar traditional alternative.
Hybrid cars are naturally quieter than conventional vehicles that run on petrol or diesel. Thus, you can drive them over long routes to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing journey.	Although hybrid vehicles are subject to fewer repairs, when maintenance becomes unavoidable, the necessary solutions can cost you marginally more than conventional cars.
As all hybrid car engines are supported by electric motors as a backup, regular wear and tear occurs much more slowly. This directly helps cut down on periodic maintenance expenses.	Normally, you need to spend at least ₹4,50,000-₹6,00,000 to replace a hybrid car battery every 5-15 years.
HEVs require less coolant or oil to maintain the optimal performance of their combustion engines. So, in the end, it's a win-win situation for you.

What are the Pros and Cons of Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles?

Just like hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids also come with their fair share of pros and cons. Find them highlighted below:

Pros	Cons
PHEVs do not produce tailpipe emissions like other conventional cars when running on batteries.	Buying a plug-in hybrid vehicle incurs higher upfront costs.
You can operate the vehicle solely in the electric mode for shorter trips by charging its battery regularly while saving on fuel costs.	If you do not have adequate charging arrangements, the battery may not last until its optimal life expectancy, and its replacement would again require a significant expenditure.
When switching from a conventional car to a plug-in hybrid, there is no difference in car controls and driving style.	Some plug-in hybrids offer decent resale values, while others do not. For instance, models like the Toyota Camry and Prius Hybrids maintain their values very well, thus proving smart investments for car owners. However, the same cannot be said for other available plug-in hybrid models.
The transition from petrol to electric mode takes place automatically, thus not requiring you to control anything manually.
PHEVs can seamlessly use their electric power for stop-and-go driving. Also, they save fuel and help the battery recharge through regenerative braking.

Cost Analysis of Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid

Following is a cost analysis of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles:

Parameters	Hybrid Vehicles	Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
Starting Price (approx.)	₹16.6 Lakhs	₹22.5 Lakhs
Maintenance Costs	Around ₹3,457 per year	₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per year
Fuel Savings	Around 30% to 50%	Around 30%
Resale Value	Better compared to regular petrol cars	Slightly lower than petrol cars but more than fully-electric vehicles

However, when comparing maintenance costs, plug-in hybrids prove to be comparatively cheaper because:

They can manage fully on electric motors, eliminating the need for petrol even for a week.
Their regenerative braking system is more efficient than traditional car brakes and needs less frequent replacements.
Finally, the electrical components of PHEVs are much cheaper than the moving parts in a traditional car.

Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: Which is More Environmentally Friendly?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are more eco-friendly because they can run longer powered by electric motors. This is because of their enhanced compatibility with external charging systems. Thus, PHEVs are an excellent choice for those seeking to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

On the other hand, though not as impressive as plug-in hybrids, hybrid cars can also play a big role in tackling growing environmental concerns. They produce lower toxic emissions than petrol or diesel vehicles and are thus very appealing to individuals who want to contribute to a greener environment, even in small ways.

Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: Charging and Recharging

In hybrid vehicles, the regenerative braking mechanism helps capture and store the kinetic energy typically lost while applying brakes in normal cars.

Next, the electric motor serves as a generator and converts the kinetic power into electrical energy that can operate the vehicle later on. Although this system of generating power is inadequate to drive a vehicle for prolonged distances, you can occasionally switch to the electric mode to save fuel costs.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle is reputed to offer much more flexibility. If you own one, your car battery can be recharged without any active driving. Instead, you can drive solely in electric mode by charging your vehicle's battery with an external power source like a charging station.

Are Plug-in Hybrids Worth the Investment?

If you consider the maintenance and fuel costs, plug-in hybrids have an upper hand over conventional cars. However, you must rethink several other long-term and short-term conditions, too, such as:

Purchase Price

Due to highly sophisticated technology, PHEVs generally have a higher price tag in the market. However, due to increasing demand, this price trend can come down, and thus, you can consider buying a plug-in hybrid shortly.

PHEV Tax Rebates

As per Section 80 EEB, you can save up to ₹1.5 Lakhs per annum on the interest paid for a loan to purchase an electric car. This significantly contributes to the affordability of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Electricity Price

Due to abundance, electricity is much cheaper than diesel or petrol in India. That said, even if you need to pay a greater upfront price, you can save greatly on fuel costs while using a plug-in hybrid car.

Developing Public Charging Infrastructure in India

India's EV charging infrastructure, with fast charging arrangements along highways, demonstrates a promising growth trajectory. Battery-swapping stations are also available in certain places, and planning is underway to increase their numbers in the upcoming years.

Driving Habits And Length of Ownership

Plug-in hybrids are often the most financially sensible choice for those with short commutes. Additionally, these cars are economical if you take them for long trips and use them for an extended period.

Thus, you need to determine the purpose behind purchasing a new car to determine whether a plug-in hybrid will be the most suitable option.

Long-Term Financial Benefits

Plug-in hybrids significantly reduce emissions compared to petrol or diesel cars when used primarily in electric mode. Hence, besides reducing pollution, these cars help achieve superior fuel economy for those who frequently take short trips.

Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: Which is Right for You?

Although quite subtle, the differences between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid can have a huge impact on car ownership. If you want a better fuel economy and are not concerned about environmental pollution, then hybrid cars would be the best option.

Otherwise, buying a plug-in hybrid will be a much better option if you are willing to cherish an extended electric-only driving range. Finally, you should also prioritise your budget before making the decision.

FAQs about Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

All

What’s the real difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

The biggest differences between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid lie in their battery cost, charging mechanisms, and the purposes for which they are best suited. A PHEV battery can be recharged at public charging stations or even in one's home. Conversely, a hybrid car gets automatically charged through regenerative braking while driving.

Do plug-in hybrids need to be plugged in every day?

If you regularly drive a plug-in hybrid, recharging its battery daily can prove to be a smart strategy. However, for the most optimal battery output, you must charge between 20% and 80%.

What is the downside of a plug-in hybrid?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles require external charging infrastructure, which makes them more expensive than traditional hybrids. Moreover, the driver needs to consider several factors, such as charging availability, commute length, and prevailing environmental concerns.

Can I use a plug-in hybrid like a regular hybrid if I don’t have charging stations?

Yes, plug-in hybrids can work as regular hybrid cars if there aren’t enough charging facilities nearby. However, this factor can vary based on the particular car model you are using.

How long do hybrid batteries last?

Any standard hybrid car battery is supposed to last near about 1,60,900 km. Additionally, if you follow the necessary maintenance do's and don'ts, then you can push this limit to 3,21,800 km.

Are hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars eligible for government rebates in India?

Yes, you become eligible for different government-funded coupons and purchase incentives upon purchasing a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid car. Additionally, you do not need to pay any road tax or registration fee while purchasing these vehicles.

Which is better for long trips: hybrid or plug-in hybrid?

Both can be ideal, depending on the route you are taking. If there are enough charging facilities, then plug-in hybrids are better. Otherwise, a hybrid car is preferable as it runs primarily on fuel and uses the battery as an alternative power source.

Which hybrid is best for highway driving?

Traditional hybrids are the most suitable option for highway driving. They allow you to drive using conventional fuel and utilise the battery when accelerating, thus maximising mileage.

Is there a different insurance for hybrid cars?

Hybrid cars can be insured under standard car insurance policies, but some insurers offer specialised plans or add-ons for hybrid components, such as batteries and electric motors. Plug-in hybrids may also benefit from EV-specific covers. It’s best to check with your insurer for tailored coverage that suits your vehicle type.