How to Charge a Hybrid Car

Learning how to charge a hybrid car is essential for maximizing its efficiency and performance. If you’re ready to trade in your current vehicle for a hybrid car, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to keep your hybrid vehicle running smoothly. Charging a hybrid car battery is straightforward, but the method can vary depending on whether you have a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric vehicle. Understanding these differences will help you get the most out of your vehicle in the Kansas City area. Read on to learn how to charge a hybrid car with the team at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission. 

Charging a Hybrid Car Battery: Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric

If you’re a Shawnee Mission driver wondering how to charge a hybrid car battery, you’re not alone! The answer depends on the type of hybrid you’re looking for: a standard hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or an electric vehicle (EV). Knowing the difference between them can help you determine which type of hybrid is the best fit for your lifestyle:

• Standard Hybrids: If you remember when hybrids first started becoming popular, this is the type of car you’re thinking of. Standard hybrid cars use an electric motor in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. Charging a hybrid car battery in a standard hybrid is simple and requires no change to your daily routine: the battery self-charges as you drive around Merriam!
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: The PHEV segment has seen immense growth in recent years. Like the standard hybrid, it uses both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Unlike a standard hybrid, however, a PHEV can run solely on electric power for a certain number of miles (known as the electric range). This also means that a PHEV cannot self-charge; you will need to plug it into an external power source at a public charging station, a 120-volt household outlet, or a fast-charging home station. 
• Electric Vehicle: EVs technically stand on their own in a separate segment than hybrids and PHEVs. They have no gas engine, only an electric motor. Similar to a PHEV, an EV must be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery. 

How to Charge a Plug-In Hybrid Car Battery: Three Methods

Many Overland Park drivers gravitate toward the PHEV segment because it allows them to save money when running errands around town by driving on full electric power, but they still have the option of a gas engine when going on long road trips. Charging a plug-in hybrid car battery can be achieved with three methods:

• Portable charging: Your PHEV will come standard-equipped with a portable charging cord, which should be compatible with any household-style 120-volt outlet. These are convenient in an emergency, but the catch is that they charge at a slow rate. 
• Home fast charging: You can also opt to have a 240-volt fast charging station installed in your garage for convenient home charging. This will come at an added cost but is typically worth the investment because you can recharge at a much faster rate without leaving home. 
• Public charging: There are also public charging stations where you can stop to charge your PHEV whenever you need to. Public charging stations aren’t yet as common as gas stations, but their numbers are growing at a steady rate. 

Find the Hybrid or PHEV for You at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission! 

Explore the hybrid and PHEV inventory at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Whether you’re curious about how to charge a hybrid car or looking to compare a hybrid to a plug-in hybrid, our team is here to assist you. Visit us to learn more about how to charge a hybrid car battery and discover the model for your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a test drive to start your journey toward a more efficient and eco-friendly vehicle.