Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid Cars

If you’d like to drive cleaner and greener around Morrisville, then you’re probably weighing the pros and cons of choosing to drive a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both options essentially function the same way, combining a gasoline-powered engine with a battery-powered electric motor. One of the most significant differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars is the size of their battery. Compare hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid cars in more detail with the experts at Hendrick Cadillac Cary, then visit Hendrick Cadillac Cary to take any of our hybrid models for a test drive!

Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid Cars: What Are They?

Hybrid Cars

A hybrid car uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor to help you drive around Apex much more efficiently. A hybrid car uses gasoline fuel primarily until that runs low. Then, it switches over to electric power. The gasoline engine in hybrid cars charges the electric motor as you drive it around, so you’ll never have to plug in your hybrid car to top off the battery levels. 

Plug-In Hybrid Cars

A plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, also uses a gas combustion engine and an electric motor. However, the electric motor in a PHEV is much bigger than the motor in a hybrid. Because of this, it uses electric driving power first and then switches over to gasoline power when the electric power runs low. Because it doesn’t self-charge as it drives, plug-in hybrid cars need to be plugged into a charging port to top off their battery levels. This is why they’re called “plug-in” hybrids!

Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid Cars: Advantages of Both Options

Now that you know some of the differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, let’s take at the unique advantages both options offer you: 

Hybrid Advantages

• Hybrid vehicles usually cost less than plug-in hybrid vehicles.
• Hybrid vehicles self-charge as you drive.
• Compared to plug-in hybrid vehicles, hybrid vehicles offer you better fuel economy.

Plug-In Hybrid Advantages

• PHEVs give you more electric driving range than hybrids. 
• PHEVs give off fewer emissions than hybrids. 
• Because PHEVs use less gas fuel, you won’t have to spend as much time at the gas station around Durham. 

If you want to drive while using the least amount of gasoline power, then consider driving a PHEV. However, if you want to spend a little less upfront and don’t want to have to plug in your car to a charging port, then you might be more drawn towards a hybrid. The best way to make your decision is to visit Hendrick Cadillac Cary and speak with our experts!

Choose Your Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid With Hendrick Cadillac Cary!

Contact us to learn even more about the differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. We’ll answer all of your in-depth questions about our Cadillac hybrid models and even set you up with a test drive of your favorite option! Don’t forget to explore our new vehicle specials while you’re here, so you can see how much you’ll save on your next fuel-efficient Cadillac.