plug-in hybrid, definition of

Also known as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), plug-in hybrids are similar in design to conventional Hybrids except their battery can be recharged from an external power source such as electric vehicle charging points.

As a result they can travel significant distances, typically 40 miles, using just their electric motor before their internal combustion engine kicks in.

They are being widely touted as a means of cutting carbon emissions and urban air pollution, while improving vehicle fuel efficiency to a level where cars can travel upwards of 250 miles on a single tank of fuel.

A range of new plug-in hybrids are expected to be launched over the next two years, including GM's Chevy Volt and a new version of Toyota's Prius.

Plug in hybrids are expected to be more expensive than conventional cars, however they will result in reduced fuel costs and a number of governments are offering tax breaks to try and increase consumer take up.

• In Defence of Plug-in Hybrids
  The greens (Transport and Environment and Greenpeace) are now attacking plug-in hybrids, and calling for them to be banned, saying "false claims of lower emissions are a ploy by car manufacturers to go on producing SUVs and petrol and diesel engines.".
• Sila Nano’s battery tech is now worth over $1 billion with Daimler partnership and $170 million investment
  Sila Nanotechnologies and its battery materials manufacturing technology are now worth more than $1 billion. The company, which announced a $170 million funding led by Daimler and a partnership with the famed German automaker, started building out its...
• There will be a plug-in Hybrid Jeep Wrangler in 2020
   The Jeep Wrangler, the car most people are probably thinking of when they hear about “a Jeep,” will take a leap forward into the world of alternative powertrains in 2020 when it gets a plug-in hybrid variant...
• BMW's new wireless pad recharges EV batteries like a Sonicare toothbrush
  Several automakers have teased the idea of a wireless charging pad that would make it easier to charge electric cars without a pesky cable, but BMW is ahead of the game...
• Volvo will only sell electric cars starting in 2019
  In just two years, every Volvo vehicle rolling off the production line will be electric. Volvo has announced that starting in 2019, every model it sells will have some sort of electrification - either in the form of a mild-hybrid system, a plug-in hybrid...
• Cadillac unveils their new CT6 Plug-in Hybrid - a large, green luxury sedan
  Cadillac is pushing a new green car strategy they hope will make a bigger impact than their ELR plug-in hybrid - a low-performing vehicle in terms of sales success...
• Honda steps up with new green car strategy
  Honda's green car strategy has taken criticism over the past few years for its inability to keep up with the venerable Toyota Prius. Well, the automaker is stepping up with their introduction of the new Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in hybrid recently...
• 2017 BMW 740e turns BMW's flagship sedan into a plug-in hybrid
  With the recent introductions of the 3 Series and X5 plug-in hybrids, it was only a matter of time until BMW's flagship sedan debuted with its own electrified powertrain...
• 2017 Ford Fusion Energi can travel further than any other plug-in hybrid
  While the electric charging infrastructure continues to improve, many car buyers still have range anxiety when thinking about purchasing an electric car. That's why plug-in hybrids are still currently the best option for electric car buyers that aren't...
• Toyota’s new Prius Prime has the world’s highest MPGe for a plug-in hybrid
  Toyota has unveiled the all-new Prius Prime plug-in hybrid today at the New York Auto Show. Based on the new fourth-generation Prius, the 2017 Prius Prime will go to head-to-head with other plug-in hybrid models, like the Chevy Volt when it goes on sale...