Hybrid Vs Plug in Hybrid Vs Electric – What’s the Difference?
As vehicles evolve, there are three main electrified powertrains guests are seeing more often at Alberni Toyota: hybrid, plug in hybrid, and fully electric.
They all use electric motors, but the key difference is how the vehicle gets its energy and how much it relies on electricity versus gasoline.
Here’s a clear breakdown.
Hybrid (HEV) – Uses mostly gasoline, with electric assistance.
Examples: Corolla Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra Hybrid, Tacoma Hybrid, Camry Hybrid,
It consists of:
- A regular gasoline engine
- A small battery reserve
- One or more electric motors
Regular hybrid vehicles do not get plugged in. While you drive, the vehicle creates its own electricity. When you slow down or use your brakes, energy that would normally be lost is captured and stored in the battery using regenerative braking and its electric motors. The engine can also help generate power.
The electric motor helps mostly at low speeds and when starting from a stop. The gasoline engine handles most of the driving, especially at higher speeds.
In simple terms:
You fuel it up just like a regular vehicle. The electric parts work in the background to use less gas and make driving smoother.
Plug in Hybrid (PHEV) (Previously called Prime) – Designed to use both electricity and gasoline
Examples: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota previously used the name Prime for these models. Today they’re called Plug in Hybrids, but the technology works the same and they are built upon a regular hybrid.
A plug-in hybrid has:
- A regular gasoline engine
- A larger battery reserve than a regular hybrid
- One or more electric motors
- A charging port
Because the battery is larger, the vehicle can run on electricity alone for a certain distance. You can charge the battery at home or at public charging stations. It also captures energy through regenerative braking when you slow down and brake just like a regular hybrid.
When more power is needed or the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together and it operates just like a regular hybrid.
In simple terms:
You can drive using electricity for many everyday trips, and gasoline is still part of how the vehicle operates, especially for longer or faster driving.
Electric Vehicle (BEV) – Uses electricity only
Example: Toyota bZ, C-HR BEV, bZ Woodland.
An electric vehicle has:
- A large high-capacity battery
- Electric motors
- No gasoline engine
All power comes from electricity stored in the battery. You charge it at home or at public charging stations. There is no fuel tank or gasoline.
Electric motors deliver power right away, which makes acceleration feel smooth and quick.
In simple terms:
You no longer require gasoline. Charging replaces fueling, and driving is quiet and smooth.
The Big Picture
Hybrids use gasoline as the main energy source, with electricity improving efficiency. Plug in hybrids are built to use both electricity and gasoline as regular parts of driving with hybrid functionality. Electric vehicles run entirely on stored electrical energy.
There are different ways of powering a vehicle, each designed to suit different driving habits and access to charging.
At Alberni Toyota, our team is happy to walk you through these models, answer questions, or help you find a Toyota that fits your driving. If you’d like to learn more about electrified Toyota models or take one for a drive, we’re always here to help.