What is a plug-in hybrid vehicle?
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or plug-in hybrid for short, is a vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine in addition to driving purely electric on a stretch of road.
In contrast to a “normal” hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid has a relatively large battery that can be charged from the power grid using a cable - just like a pure electric car. For example, a plug-in hybrid can travel significantly longer distances purely electrically than a conventional hybrid vehicle (HEV).
Loud WLTP range Many PHEV cars can travel up to 60 km purely electrically. Some manufacturers even advertise up to 120 km under particularly favourable conditions.
To a E license plate To obtain, a plug-in hybrid must travel at least 40 km purely electrically and emit a maximum of 50g CO2 per kilometer.
As soon as the battery capacity is exhausted, a plug-in hybrid car runs on the internal combustion engine. In addition to “refueling” electricity, normal fuel can or must also be refueled. For example, a plug-in hybrid is the first step for many newcomers to e-mobility, as it offers long ranges and the security that refueling can be carried out anywhere - even if studies show that Range anxiety are also unfounded in purely electric cars.
For those interested in plug-in hybrids, there are some barriers to buying: Since 2023, there has been no longer a federal purchase premium for plug-in hybrids. And the VW Group, with the brands Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW, has also imposed an order freeze for plug-in hybrids. Whether plug-in hybrids have a future therefore remains to be seen.