How Do Plug-In Hybrid Cars Work?

Looking for the best of both driving worlds? Well look no further. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (also known as PHEVs) give you exactly that, bridging the gap between your classic petrol-powered and all-electric car. You can forget the fuel for a while and drive on pure battery power with zero driving emissions, before switching to your combustion engine for those longer distances.

Let’s have a look at precisely how PHEVs work, and why choosing one can be a smart choice for both the planet and your pocket.

Diagram of a MINI Phev car drivetrain and electric motor demonstrating how electric cars work

HOW DO PLUG-IN HYBRIDS WORK?

It’s simple really. Plug-in hybrids are run by two power sources: a conventional fuel-powered engine and an electric motor that’s driven by a battery.

The battery can be plugged in (hence the name) and charged up either at home or a public charging station. That way, you can drive in pure electric mode for those shorter trips, errands or when nipping around the city. Then, when the battery level starts to drop, the combustion engine will kick in and seamlessly take over – running exactly as your usual fuel-powered car would.

And if that wasn’t cool enough, plug-in hybrids also feature Regenerative Braking – a handy system that converts the kinetic energy created from braking and decelerating into electrical energy, which is then passed back to the battery to charge it!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PLUG-IN HYBRID?

ELECTRIC UP. EMISSIONS DOWN.

Running the kids to school? Popping to shops? Cruising around the city? You can do those shorter everyday journeys without leaving electric mode. And as well as the super-fun handling and serious torque of e-driving, that means you’ll create zero driving emissions while on the road.

FUN AND FLEXIBLE.

If you’re not fully ready to commit to e-power but want the option to electrify your drive, PHEVs are the perfect compromise. You get (many of) the benefits of electric driving with the reliability and flexibility of petrol power. So there’s no need to worry if you run out of charge – your combustion engine will be there to save the day!

ELECTRIC COSTS LESS.

Having the all-electric option means you can save a good few quid on fuel, which is more expensive than charging up the battery. You’ll also often pay less on road tax for your plug-in hybrid when compared to a petrol-powered car.

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