The Difference Between Plug-In and Self-Charging Hybrids

Electric and hybrid electric vehicles have grown in popularity over the last few years thanks to a growing awareness of lowering our carbon footprint and more choice and availability arriving on our shores. While typically on the higher end of the price bracket, it helps that they consume less or no fuel, meaning you can save plenty of money at the pump.

There are 3 main types of electrically powered or assisted vehicles to choose from: self-charging hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and fully electric vehicles (EV), and here we’ll focus on what sets plug-in hybrids and self-charging hybrids apart from each other.

What is a Self-Charging Hybrid?

A self-charging hybrid like the Swift or the Vitara, is the easiest jump for a driver who’s looking to make the switch from a conventional to an electric vehicle, but isn’t ready to go fully electric just yet. It has a petrol engine, an electric motor or integrated starter generator, and a battery that stores the electricity. With self-charging hybrids, you don’t need to plug into an external source to recharge it. The battery charges itself as your drive, by recycling the energy when you brake or decelerate through regenerative braking technology and by using the petrol engine.

This means that you don’t have to worry about searching for a charging station when you’re out and about, or getting a higher power bill from charging it at home. Self-charging hybrids also have good fuel economy and a lower environmental impact, making them perfect for short commutes in and around the city. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a self-charging hybrid:

Pros and Cons of Self-Charging Hybrids

Pros:

• They’re generally less expensive to buy than a plug-in hybrid
• Designed for maximising fuel saving on short journeys and trips around the city
• Doesn’t require you to spend time re-charging it
• You don’t have to worry about low battery levels on long journeys or forgetting to plug-in
• Has improved fuel economy compared to a conventional petrol vehicle and is cost-efficient to run

Cons:

• A similar sized self-charging hybrid is less environmentally friendly than an equivalent plug-in hybrid

What is a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)?

A plug-in hybrid, also known as PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), is the next step from a self-charging hybrid to a fully electric vehicle. It’s similar to a self-charging hybrid in terms of having an electric motor and a combustion engine, with the exception that the battery requires charging from an external energy source.

You can charge the PHEV at home or at a public charging station, however you are likely to see an increase in your power bill, especially if you charge it during the day and you may have to pay a fee and wait 20-30 minutes at a public fast-charging station.

PHEVs typically have the ability to travel on electric only for between 30 to 48kms typically, so they’re perfect for cruising on electric mode for your short journeys. However for long journeys, you’ll need to recharge your battery at a charging station to carry on using your electric motor. The good news though is if the battery does go flat, the petrol engine will automatically take over to keep you going.

Now that you know what plug-in hybrids are, let’s weigh up the pros and cons:

Pros and Cons of Plug-in Hybrids

Pros:

• They can function just like an electric vehicle (EV) on short journeys
• The petrol engine automatically kicks in when the battery gets low
• Usually cheaper to buy than an EV
• Are usually more fuel efficient than a self-charging hybrid
• Currently eligible for the Government’s Clean Car Discount

Cons:

• It’s generally more expensive to buy than a self-charging hybrid vehicle
• You’ll need to plug in to charge using a 3 point cable or wall mounted charger at home and set time aside to charge it
• The battery’s range is limited so you need to know where charging stations are before hand
• The extra weight of a large battery can affect your fuel economy if you rely heavily on your petrol engine

What Are the Differences Between Plug-in and Self-Charging Hybrids?

How to charge the battery - PHEVs need an external charging point to regenerate their battery, while self-charging hybrids charge the battery as they go.

How far can I go on the battery charge - PHEVs have a much larger battery compared to self-charging hybrids, and can travel much further on electric mode alone. Self-charge hybrids automatically control the electric assistance to the petrol engine and the battery recharges when it is going.

Which is more economical - While the PHEV is more economical overall, the PHEV’s battery can become a bit of a burden on longer journeys especially when it’s flat – impacting your vehicle’s performance and costing you more fuel than a conventional car would. Along with the weight of the battery, PHEV plug-in components can weigh enough to affect your vehicles’ handling.

Do I have to change the way I use it - With self-charging hybrids, you don’t have to stray far from your usual habits. It’s just like filling up your current car with a full tank of fuel without having to do anything about plugging anything in. To use a PHEV effectively you will need to plug it in overnight, or stop at a charging station to recharge the battery, however it will click over to the petrol engine if you forget or don’t have time to recharge it.

Which costs more upfront - Self-charging cars have been on the market for a fair while, so there’s a wide range for you to choose from, and chances are they’re less expensive than a plug-in hybrid. While plug-in hybrids do cost more to buy due to their battery components, they are eligible for a rebate, whereas self-charging hybrids could potentially be included at a later date. 

Is a Hybrid Vehicle Right for Me?

Taking the next step is easy. Hybrid vehicles have good fuel economy that can help you save a lot of money, provided that it fits into your lifestyle. Either types of hybrid vehicle are a step in the right direction towards going fully electric, and doing your part for the environment.

So if you’re looking to buy a hybrid car, but still having trouble deciding which one is right for you, download our Complete Guide to Buying a New Car today.