Hybrids have gone a long way since they were first introduced in mainstream vehicles by Honda and Toyota in the late 1990s. Today, the technology is not only offered on a wide range of vehicle types, from compact cars to full-size pick-up trucks, but has also branched off into different categories, like mild hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
- Base Trim Engine
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3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Plug-in Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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395 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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590 lb-ft
But the more I discuss autos with folks in my surroundings, the more I realize there’s still a lot of misunderstanding surrounding hybrid technology. It also doesn’t help when automakers label their hybrids as electric vehicles (EVs). I therefore decided to focus this piece on PHEVs, or, to put it simply, hybrids with EV capabilities. I’ll begin with a short refresh of what plug-in hybrid technology is and how it has evolved in recent years. I’ll then highlight some of the best plug-in hybrids I’ve driven in recent years, with one particular model that really came out of left field.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various trusted sources and the manufacturer, as well as the author’s personal experience.
Are Plug-In Hybrids EVs? Discussing The Differences
The short answer to that question is no. Plug-in hybrids, while capable of covering a certain distance in full EV mode, as well as giving their owner the freedom to charge using a home or public charging unit, are still considered hybrids. The reason for this is that their internal combustion engine (ICE) remains the vehicle’s main source of propulsion.
Yes, some PHEVs go a step further by essentially being EVs with ICE generators that act as range extenders. In other words, the ICE is not connected to the vehicle’s wheels. The Chevrolet Volt was designed around this principle, and so is the current Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, as well as the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger. But they remain in the hybrid category nevertheless.
The Pros And Cons Of Driving A PHEV
Like any other form of propulsion, there are benefits and downsides to owning a PHEV. Since it offers a “back-up” solution in the form of an internal combustion engine, some owners feel more reassured by the idea that if the battery runs out, they can continue doing what they were doing using the gas engine. Because of this, PHEVs also offer more combined range (gas and electric) than most EVs, and are handy for people whose daily commutes are short distances and mostly urban.
The downside is that when running solely in full EV mode, PHEVs don’t offer as much range as a pure EV. That’s because they’ve been fitted with a much smaller battery capacity. If the EV industry is now used to seeing capacities north of 60 kWh, PHEVs generally hang below the 20 kWh threshold. On the upside, this characteristic allows PHEVs to charge faster and can even be charged using a conventional, 120-volt wall outlet.
Another important downside to consider is that it’s not guaranteed that a PHEV will always run in full EV mode. For instance, to get the ICE running from time to time to ensure its longevity, the onboard computer will occasionally fire it up, even when you’ve engaged EV mode. Furthermore, since the vehicle’s battery capacity is much lower than an EV’s, cold weather conditions could force the ICE to kick in to help heat up the cabin.
PHEVs Should Be Seen As Super Hybrids
I think the best advice I can give someone who’s interested in a PHEV is to first see the vehicle as a hybrid, not an EV. This means using it mostly in hybrid mode to save the most amount of fuel possible, or only occasionally in EV mode for local, short-distance commutes. This way, you’ll extract the most potential out of your vehicle. Oh, and remember this before plugging your PHEV into a public charger: your car is equipped with an onboard generator. An EV doesn’t have this luxury. Be mindful of this when you’re on the road, and try to do your charging sessions at home instead.
Some models out there have really impressed me with their PHEV technology. The Toyota Prius and, by extension, the RAV4 PHEV, are two vehicles that have given me solid range numbers in EV mode, good cold-weather performance thanks to their fitted heat pumps, and solid fuel economy, leading to some of the most frugal vehicles I’ve had the opportunity to review in my career.
Some PHEVs Impressed Me For Very Specific Reasons
Other notable examples have been the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Volvo V60 with the T8 powerplant. The Jeep was particularly impressive because, one, it did rather well in terms of all-EV range, and two, it proved that full electric propulsion is the single best way to properly enjoy off-roading. The feeling of being in the middle of nature with a Jeep and only hearing the birds chirping in the background is something that cannot be replicated with a gas-burning machine. And it just makes more sense, too.
The Volvo came at the top of my list for entirely different reasons. Yes, it also offered me the range promised by the automaker, and even during the colder winter months. But its PHEV technology actually helped the car be quicker off the line and genuinely more fun to drive. That’s because its electric motor is installed on the car’s rear axle, so when you punch the accelerator pedal, it really feels like you’re being pushed from behind. Plus, when in full EV mode, the V60 becomes rear-wheel-drive. While not very powerful, it suddenly becomes one tail-happy wagon in the snow!
The Range Rover Sport 550e Is A Vehicle I Did Not See Coming
The Range Rover Sport didn’t only impress me because I wasn’t expecting a Range Rover to master PHEV technology this well. It also proved to be one of the best examples of the technology I have experienced in my career.
Sure, this is a niche and expensive product that’s mostly out of reach of ordinary folks like you and me. But as far as offering its owner the latest technology for the price, a technology that doesn’t hinder the vehicle’s core mission of being a high-end product, the Range Rover Sport delivers. It got me a solid 50 miles of range in cool, fall conditions. It never kicked in the ICE, even during cooler mornings. And while I remain steadfast on my recommendation to not use public fast chargers with a PHEV, the fact that this model can fast charge at the rate of 50 kW — an unusual feature for a PHEV — proves that Range Rover is locked-in on offering ultimate luxury, even in the charging space.
Offering Modern Ability Without Sacrificing Its Charm
But, perhaps more importantly, is that none of the PHEV technology took away from the Range Rover Sport’s charm. It remained smooth, refined, comfortable, and with 540 combined horsepower on tap, rather quick off the line, too! The Range Rover Sport 550e ended up being one of the more pleasant PHEV surprises of my career. Here’s to hoping for more pleasant surprises like this one in the plug-in hybrid universe!