Plug-in hybrid and a hybrid car: the differences

18 december 2024

Nowadays, more and more people drive a car that is environmentally friendly. These are of course the electric cars, but there are also other cars that (partly) run on electricity. Think of the plug-in hybrid and the hybrid cars. What are the differences between the latter two? The experts at 123Lease will explain it to you.

The differences

The biggest difference between a plug-in hybrid and a hybrid is the way a car is charged. A plug-in hybrid is charged with a plug, as the name 'plug-in hybrid' suggests. You don't have to charge a hybrid car with a plug. It will charge itself. Charging happens when you brake, which releases energy that can then be used again while driving.

Are there any similarities?

A plug-in hybrid and a hybrid car also have a number of similarities. For example, they can both drive on electricity, but at the same time they are supported by a combustion engine. So you still have to refuel with both cars. With the plug-in hybrid and the hybrid car you mainly drive on electricity when you travel short distances. That is ideal, because then you can drive environmentally friendly in the city, for example.

The differences between a plug-in hybrid and an electric car

You might think: isn't a plug-in hybrid the same as an electric car? Both cars can indeed drive electrically and must be charged with a plug, but there is still a big difference between these two cars. An electric car drives 100 percent electrically. You no longer have to fill it up, but only charge it. So you drive environmentally friendly all the time. A plug-in hybrid can drive electrically up to a certain point, where it is supported by the combustion engine. So you still have to fill up a plug-in hybrid.

hybrid or plug-in hybrid

Choosing a plug-in hybrid or hybrid: how to choose the right one

Do you want to switch to a plug-in hybrid or a hybrid car, but you don't know which one suits you? Below we list a number of points that you can follow when making the right choice.

  1. Charging station or not

A plug-in hybrid needs to be charged. So keep in mind that you need a charging station at your home, or one near you. So you are dependent on a charging station. If you don't feel like doing this, a hybrid car might be a better choice. In that case, you just have to fill up the car at the gas station.

  1. Powerful battery

Plug-in hybrids are known for having a powerful battery. The more powerful the battery, the longer you can drive electrically. And that is of course a big advantage if you want to use the battery a lot. In addition, plug-in hybrids are also more economical than hybrids. Keep in mind that you have to regularly charge the battery of the plug-in hybrid. It is also good to know that the large battery can be heavy.

Top 5 Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are still popular, because of the electric and the fuel engine that can support each other. That is why we list a top 5 for you below with the best hybrid cars. Also take a look at 123Lease for hybrid cars .

  1. Kia Niro
    The Kia Niro is equipped for all markets. For example, you can get the Kia Niro not only as a hybrid car, but also as a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric car. So you can choose what you want with this car. If you choose the hybrid variant, you can benefit from low CO2 emissions.
  2. Mitsubishi COLT
    A compact car, but at the same time a tough car, is the Mitsubishi COLT . The car has been given a new look and is now also available as a hybrid car. You can drive economically this way.
  3. Ford Kuga
    Are you looking for a spacious car, such as an SUV, and that also drives hybrid? Then you can choose a Ford Kuga . This car is spacious on the inside, but also offers many advantages on the outside. For example, you can drive economically with the fuel and electric motor.
  4. Toyota RAV4
    A car that you can say 'u' to, is certainly the Toyota RAV4 . This car from the Japanese car brand has a tough, sleek and powerful appearance. Moreover, the RAV4 is also available in the hybrid variant. It has a lot of horsepower and a fast acceleration.
  5. Toyota Auris
    Another Toyota car in this list, but this time an Auris. A Toyota Auris is a bit more compact, but still big enough for the whole family. Moreover, the car is known for its reliability.

Top 5 Plug-in Hybrid Cars

We also offer various plug-in hybrid cars at 123Lease. We have compiled a top 5 of the best plug-in hybrid cars.

  1. Volkswagen Golf
    The Volkswagen Golf has been a popular car for years. It is a sporty car, but at the same time compact and neat. The oh so popular car is now also available as a plug-in hybrid car. With the car you can drive about 142 kilometers electrically and then you are supported by the fuel engine.
  2. Audi Q8 TFSI e
    An Audi Q8 TFSI e is a car with a tough, grand appearance and is also a hybrid at the same time. In this car, the petrol engine is combined with an electric motor. In addition, the car is lightning fast with hundreds of horsepower.
  3. BMW 5 Touring Series
    The BMW 5 Touring Series is not only available as a fuel car; it is now also available as a PHEV, or a plug-in hybrid. The car can drive almost a hundred kilometers electrically. Moreover, of course everyone wants to be seen in such a car: sporty, sleek and elegant. In addition, you can enjoy the comfort that you are used to from BMW.
  4. Volvo V90
    You can drive comfortably and partly electrically with the plug-in hybrid Volvo V90 . Charging is lightning fast, so you can drive electric kilometers again. This electric motor is of course also supported by a fuel engine.
  5. Honda CR-V
    The Honda CR-V comes in two versions: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. It is an SUV that can travel a good eighty kilometers on electricity. That is quite an achievement for the plug-in.

Are you unsure about which plug-in hybrid or hybrid car to go for? Then contact one of our experts at 123Lease. We will provide you with advice and look with you. We listen carefully to your wishes and needs, so that you can then hit the road without worries.