The Difference Between A Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid

Every Hyundai Ioniq that leaves the manufacturing plant is either a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or completely electric.

Hyundai released one of the first eco-friendly vehicles that don’t have a gas-only engine option. If you’re looking for a way to cut down on your fossil fuel usage but aren’t ready to go completely electric, the Ioniq is a great option for you.

Now the only question is, “what’s the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?”

Hybrid Vehicles Explained

The word “hybrid” is just a fancy way of saying “of mixed origin.” Hybrid powertrains use a combination of gas-powered engines and electric motors. The two types of motors share and take turns delivering power to their drive wheels to create an efficient drive.

Hybrid vehicles hit the scene in the early 2000s and have grown in popularity with vehicles like the Insight and Prius. New options like the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have completely changed the game. The gasoline engine helps keep the vehicle’s moderately-sized electric motor charged. That means you never have to plug in or charge the battery. That also means you rely on the gas engine for nearly every journey. You do enjoy better gas mileage with the combination of motors than you would with a pure gas-powered engine.

Plug-In Hybrid’s Explained

As eco-friendly vehicles increased in demand, some manufacturers decided to add larger batteries to their hybrids. Since the batteries are larger, they need some help to stay charged. That’s why they must be plugged in and charged via a 120-v or 240-v charger.

By charging the battery in advance, a plug-in hybrid can cruise on pure electric power. The EPA estimates that the Hyundai Ioniq can travel up to 29 miles by only using electricity. If you don’t have a long commute, you could potentially make multiple round trips without using a single drop of fuel.

Unlike an electric-only vehicle, a plug-in hybrid can continue driving after the battery is depleted. It simply kicks into hybrid mode, and you can keep cruising with the assistance of the gas/electric hybrid powertrain.

When Hybrids are Great Options

Many drivers argue that traditional hybrid engines make the most sense when they’re driving in town, especially in start-and-stop conditions. You can easily inch forward in traffic jams without producing much if any fuel emissions.

While the hybrid engine is useful on the highway and should increase your overall fuel efficiency, they aren’t as helpful when you’re a fast driver. If you really push your vehicle on faster roads, your engine still has to do the work to keep up.

Ultimately, driving a Hyundai Ioniq hybrid means you won’t really need to change your driving habits. You still have to stop for gas, and there’s no need for charging cables, altered routes, or anything else. The only real difference is that you won’t have to stop for gas quite as often.

When Plug-In Hybrids Are Great Options

If you have a shorter daily commute, your plug-in hybrid will make stopping for gas something you only do once in a great while. You can simply charge your Hyundai Ioniq when you get home, and you’re good to go.

When you take a longer road trip, the novelty of the plug-in hybrid is pretty much lost. In fact, some argue that the larger battery just becomes a dead weight that can impact your overall fuel economy. Manufacturers are working on ways to increase battery capacity while lowering its weight, but we’re a few years from any remarkable breakthroughs in this area.

While the plug-in hybrid option is a great way to save on fuel costs, it is going to have a higher sticker price. The total costs are coming down every year, but the larger battery and charging equipment is going to add a cost to the hybrid’s base price.

Save Green By Going Green

The good news is that both a traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid can offer tremendous fuel economy and lower overall gas costs. Which version is better for you is mostly determined by how you plan on using your car. Luckily, the new Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid comes in a traditional or plug-in model, so you have plenty of options.

Stop by your local Hyundai dealer to see this car in action and to learn more about which powertrain is best suited for you.