Text by Matt Bubbers. Image courtesy of sarawuth702 (iStock).

Across Canada, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have become increasingly popular, representing a very small but growing share of the market. They offer a middle ground between battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which are fully electric, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Unlike regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids can and should be — you guessed it — plugged in. Doing so is the best way to recharge the high-voltage battery. Running on electricity alone, PHEVs typically have a driving range of anywhere from 30 to 70 kilometres. After that, an onboard combustion engine will kick in to get you the rest of the way. The combined gas and electric driving range can hit 800 kilometres.

“They’re a jack of all trades and ace of none,” says CAA Club Group’s manager of automotive services, Ryan Peterson. But for a specific type of driver, he says the PHEV can be a good choice. CAA Members who ask him about PHEVs are often looking to buy a cleaner vehicle but, for a variety of reasons, aren’t quite ready to make the jump to a BEV. When evaluating whether a PHEV is right for you or not, consider the total cost of ownership and carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your needs and how you use your vehicle. Here are some things to consider.

Pros

• PHEVs are typically cheaper to purchase than a comparable BEV.
• Fuel costs are lower than a comparable ICE vehicle, if plugged in often and driven in electric mode.
• Emissions are lower when running in electric mode.
• Electric motors give PHEVs rapid acceleration and the “peppiness” of a BEV.
• In some provinces, PHEVs are allowed to access high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers onboard.
• PHEVs are eligible for federal and provincial rebate programs for zero-emission vehicles.
• The vehicles are a good solution for drivers who must occasionally travel long distances to areas where there are no EV charging stations.

Cons

• PHEVs are typically more expensive than a comparable ICE vehicle.
• They have higher fuel costs than a comparable ICE vehicle, if rarely plugged in and running on gas.
• Emissions are high when running on gasoline, since the battery, once depleted, is added weight.
• It’s best if you have a place to recharge your PHEV overnight or at work.
• Consumer Reports found, on average, that PHEVs are less reliable than BEVs or ICE vehicles.
• PHEVs have less electric driving range than a BEV, plus the added hassle of plugging in and refuelling.

Questions about vehicles? Email autoadvice@caasco.ca or call 1-866-464-6448 with questions for our experts.