Plug-in Hybrid Cars: Between Electric and Conventional

Published 7/29/2024

Fuelpro friends, have you ever heard of the phrase “having two feet in two boats”? In the automotive world, this phrase belongs to plug-in hybrid cars. They have the advantages of electric cars but can still be relied upon like conventional cars. Cool, right?

Plug-in hybrid cars are actually an evolution of regular hybrid cars. The difference is that plug-in hybrids have a larger battery and can be recharged directly from an external power source. So, you can plug your car into a socket at home, just like charging your phone!

But wait, don’t rush to think this is just a toy for the rich. Plug-in hybrids can be a smart solution for those who want to have an environmentally friendly car but are still hesitant about pure electric cars. Let’s discuss further!

Difference Between Plug-in Hybrid and Regular Hybrid

You might already be familiar with hybrid cars. You know, cars that have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Well, plug-in hybrids are similar, but with an upgrade.

Regular hybrids have a small battery that can only store energy from braking or when the car slows down. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids have a much larger battery. You can charge the battery directly from a power source, like at home or at a public charging station.

With this larger battery, plug-in hybrids can run on electricity alone for a considerable distance. Usually, it can go up to 30-50 km, depending on the model. Perfect for daily commuting!

Reasons to Own Plug-in Hybrid

Now the question is: why should we choose a plug-in hybrid? What are the advantages compared to regular cars or pure electric cars? Let’s break it down!

1. Super Fuel Efficient

This is what you’ll feel most in your wallet. Because it can run on electricity alone for short distances, you can save a lot on fuel. Imagine, if you only commute 30 km a day, you might almost not use gasoline at all!

But if you want to go on a long trip, don’t worry. The gasoline engine is ready to help, so you don’t have to worry about running out of electricity on the road.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Clean Energy Vehicle

Plug-in hybrid can be the right choice for your who loves nature and care about our environmental. Its exhaust emissions are much lower than regular gasoline cars, especially if you often use the electric mode.

Plus, you can show off to your friends that you’re helping to reduce air pollution. Cool, right?

3. Great Performance

Don’t get it wrong, although it’s efficient and environmentally friendly, the performance of plug-in hybrids is not inferior. In fact, the combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor can make acceleration more responsive. Especially when you turn into electric mode, you can feel the torque immediately!

4. Super Flexible

This is what makes plug-in hybrids a smart solution. You can use electric mode for city driving, but if you want to go on a long road trip, just switch to gasoline mode. No need to worry about finding charging stations like with pure electric cars.

5. Government Incentives

The government is currently aggressively supporting environmentally friendly vehicles. For plug-in hybrids, there are several incentives you can get, ranging from tax cuts to easier parking in some places.

The Drawbacks of Plug-In Hybrid

Okay, we’ve discussed the advantages. Sadly, plug-in hybrids also have some disadvantages that needs to be consider:

1. Higher Initial Price

Yep, this is the most noticeable. The purchase price of plug-in hybrids is indeed more expensive than regular gasoline cars. But remember, in the long run, you can save on fuel costs.

2. More Complex Maintenance

Because it has two drive systems, maintaining a plug-in hybrid can be more complicated and expensive. You need mechanics who really understand hybrid systems.

3. Extra Weight

The large battery makes the car heavier. This can slightly affect handling and fuel consumption in gasoline mode.

4. Need a Charging Place

To maximize benefits, you need to have a place to charge at home. If you don’t have a garage or a fixed parking space, this can be a problem.

Tips for Choosing a Plug-in Hybrid Car

Interested in buying a plug-in hybrid? Here are some tips for you:

1. Match Your Needs

Think first, what do you need the car for? If it’s just for short commutes, maybe the electric range is a priority. But if you often go on long trips, also look at the performance of the gasoline engine.

2. Check Charging Infrastructure

Make sure there are public charging stations in your area. If there aren’t many, at least you should be able to charge at home.

3. Compare Total Cost of Ownership

Don’t just look at the purchase price. Calculate operational costs, maintenance, and resale value as well.

4. Test Drive

This is a must. Experience for yourself how it feels to drive a plug-in hybrid. Make sure you’re comfortable with how it works.

Some Plug-in Hybrid Recommendations

BMW 330E

Curious about what plug-in hybrid options are available in Indonesia? Here are some recommendations:

BMW 330e
Mercedes-Benz C 300 e
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Of course, these options will continue to grow as plug-in hybrid technology becomes more popular.

Conclusion

Plug-in hybrid cars can indeed be considered a smart solution in the transition towards full electric vehicles. They offer flexibility, efficiency, and environmental friendliness in one package.

Despite having some drawbacks, the advantages of plug-in hybrids still make them an attractive choice for those who want to have an environmentally friendly car but are still hesitant about pure electric cars.

So, if you’re thinking about changing cars, maybe a plug-in hybrid could be a consideration. Who knows, this could be your first step towards helping the environment, while still being able to enjoy long trips without worrying about running out of electricity.

Facts About Plug-in Hybrid Cars

Perhaps some of you interested to change your car into plug-in hybrid and you want to know about it more? Here are some facts in question and answer that frequently asked about plug-in hybrid cars:

How long does it take to charge a plug-in hybrid battery?

Charging time varies depending on battery capacity and charger type. It generally ranges from 2-6 hours for a full charge using a home charger.

Can a plug-in hybrid run if the battery is depleted?

Yes, it can. When the battery is depleted, the car will automatically switch to gasoline mode like a conventional car.

How long does a plug-in hybrid battery last?

Generally, plug-in hybrid batteries can last 8-10 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

Do plug-in hybrids need frequent servicing?

The service interval for plug-in hybrids is similar to conventional cars. However, the electrical components may need special periodic inspections.

What’s the difference between a plug-in hybrid and a pure electric car?

Plug-in hybrids still have a gasoline engine as a backup, while pure electric cars rely solely on batteries and electric motors.