How to Charge a Hybrid Car Battery

As hybrid vehicles become an increasingly popular choice for eco-conscious drivers in Marietta and beyond, knowing how to charge a hybrid car is essential for getting the most out of your vehicle. Unlike fully electric cars, hybrid cars use both a traditional combustion engine and an electric motor, which means their charging needs differ slightly. Learn how to charge a hybrid car battery in our guide below.

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

If you’re a Cartersville 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 Dallas!
• 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 Douglasville 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 slowly. 
• 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 needed. Public charging stations aren’t yet as common as gas stations, but their numbers are growing at a steady rate. 

Explore Hybrid Vehicles at Hardy Superstore!

Now that you know how charging a hybrid car battery works, visit our Dallas dealership to explore our selection of pre-owned vehicles. Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or at 678-564-1538.