January 9, 2025

Why a PHEV Can Be a Great First Step in Your Electrification Journey

6 Min. Read

Are you curious about electrification but don’t feel ready to invest in an electric vehicle (EV) just yet?

For many drivers interested in switching to an EV for the first time, having fears about EV charging and range is one of the biggest concerns, but with a PHEV, you can get many of the benefits of an EV without committing entirely to electric power.

In short, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer a smart, flexible solution that combines EV technology with a traditional combustion engine, reducing range anxiety by giving drivers the security in knowing they can fuel up at a gas station and plug-in to charge on the road or at home.

Let’s explore why PHEVs could be a great first step in your EV adoption journey and prepare you for an all-electric future!

What is a PHEV?

PHEVs use two motors—a traditional combustion engine in addition to the same type of electric motor you’ll find in an EV, although typically a bit smaller as it is supplemented by the combustion engine as well.

PHEVs are unique in this sense, because the vehicle can switch between the electric and gas-powered motor as needed. Unlike hybrid electric cars that exclusively recharge their internal battery via a small combustion engine and regenerative braking, PHEVs can also be recharged by plugging them in, just like an EV. In fact, even though they can run solely on gas, PHEVs perform best and are more efficient when they are regularly charged up.

With up to 40 miles in electric-only range, PHEVs offer a flexible and sustainable option that can be a great transition for drivers looking to drive smarter but still concerned about switching to an EV. Some PHEV models even feature a battery range extender, which uses a small gas-powered motor to function as a generator for the battery.

What Makes PHEVs More Accessible?

With 41 PHEV models currently on the market, there is a plug-in vehicle for everyone and sales are thriving with over 20,000 PHEVs sold in just the first half of 2024, with predictions that 1 in 4 vehicles sold in 2025 will be electrified, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles accounting for 15% of all vehicles sold.

Although prices for electric vehicles are dropping, EVs still remain slightly more expensive to purchase than gas-powered vehicles. However, the price for PHEVs typically falls between EVs and gas-powered cars, making them an affordable entry point into your electrification journey. Additionally, with reduced maintenance and savings on fuel, EVs and PHEVs bring in long-term savings for drivers making them a more cost-effective investment over time.

In addition to savings at the pump, you can also take advantage of incentives that reduce the upfront cost of purchasing a PHEV. These vehicles qualify for the federal clean vehicles credit, which provides a base credit of $2,500, along with an additional $417 for every kilowatt of battery capacity beyond the first 5 kW. Furthermore, many states and utilities offer additional incentives for PHEVs buyers, EV charger installations, and even time-of-use plans to help save on at-home EV charging.

Combining Gas and Electric Power

So, how much can you actually save on gas when driving a PHEV? Ultimately, how much you can save will depend on a few different factors.

PHEVs offer a flexible solution that allows you to switch between gas and electric range as needed. Given that the average daily commute in the United States is around 39 miles a day and that PHEVs typically have an range of up to 40 miles with their battery alone, your PHEV’s electric range will likely be able to cover most of your daily driving needs.

The key to maximizing savings on gas is to charge your PHEV regularly and use the electric range as much as possible. Savings can vary from one state to another based on electricity and gas prices, but many utilities offer discounted rates for EV charging and long-term use consistently shows savings on fuel.

For example, one study found that a 20-mile range PHEV would pay for itself within three years in a state like Washington where fuel prices are relatively high.

What is the Environmental Impact of a PHEV?

Lower fuel consumption is great for both your wallet and the environment.

Using the electric range of your PHEV helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, averaging 260 grams of carbon dioxide per mile driven, compared to 400 grams for the average gas-powered passenger car.

To maximize environmental benefits, you can prioritize driving on your PHEV’s electric range and explore charging your vehicle with clean energy sources, either by choosing a public charging network powered by renewable sources or exploring at-home solar EV charging.

An Introduction to PHEV Charging

While relying on your gas engine can be tempting, exploring charging options can help to get the most out of your PHEV.

A PHEV is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with local charging options while still experiencing what it’s like driving an EV. You can check out the accessibility and cost of public charging stations in your area, giving you a better understanding of what driving a fully electric car could be like.

Driving a PHEV also gives you an opportunity to experience at-home charging, allowing you to determine whether you prefer Level 1 or Level 2 EV charging options.

Charging your PHEV with a Level 1 EV charger involves plugging your PHEV into a dedicated, standard 120V outlet using a special cable, providing three to five miles of electric range per hour of charging meaning that fully charging your PHEV with Level 1 EV charging will typically take between 5 to 6 hours.

Alternatively, you can utilize an at-home Level 2 charger for your PHEV. These chargers have an amperage of anywhere from 15 to 80 amps and deliver 12 to 80 miles of range per hour so your PHEV is fully charged and ready to go in 1 to 2 hours.

For a PHEV, there’s no need to invest in a high-amperage Level 2 EV charger, as your vehicle may not even be able to accept a higher amperage and understanding your vehicle amperage can help you save money and charge more effectively. However if you plan to purchase an electric vehicle in the future, upgrading your home with a higher amperage EV charger can help prepare you for that transition and future-proof your investment.

Get More Out of Your PHEV With At-Home Charging

A PHEV serves as a practical bridge to a fully electric vehicle, combining the flexibility of gas power with the advantages of electric driving. With PHEV tax credits, an expanding range of PHEV models on the market, and fuel savings, PHEVs provide an accessible entry point for drivers looking to embrace electrification.

Make the most out of your PHEV purchase by exploring at-home charging options with Qmerit.

When it comes to EV charger installations, no one is more trusted or recommended than Qmerit. As North America’s largest network of certified EV charger installers, every Qmerit electrician is fully licensed, background-checked, insured, and properly trained in EV charging station installation so you can rest easy in knowing your installation is done right and backed by the Qmerit Peace of Mind Guarantee.

Recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike, and with over 450,000 EV charging stations installed across the U.S. and Canada, no one is more experienced in energy transition technologies than Qmerit.

Contact Qmerit today and complete our online EV assessment for your customer EV charger installation estimate and to learn more about how Qmerit can help make your next electrification project easy.