How to Charge a Hybrid Car

For those looking to upgrade their vehicle to a hybrid car, you are probably wondering how to charge a hybrid car battery. If so, Beechmont Toyota has got you covered. We will tell you how to charge a hybrid car, so West Chester drivers can feel assured when driving an eco-friendly vehicle. There is no need to be apprehensive about trading in your gas-powered vehicle for a hybrid. You will have plenty of options for charging a hybrid car battery. Visit our dealership if you want to learn more in person, and contact us to set up an appointment.

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

Before you learn how to charge a hybrid car, you need to understand the difference between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and an electric vehicle (EV). When you know how they differ, you can confidently decide on which of the environmentally conscious car suits your lifestyle:

• Standard Hybrids: Standard hybrids use an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They are also the first type of hybrid vehicle on the market. Thus, charging a hybrid car battery requires no change from your routine. The hybrid battery self charges while you drive, and you can use gasoline as a power source.

• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): There has been substantial growth in recent years in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also known as PHEV. It too uses both an eclectic motor and an internal combustion engine to keep your car running on Mason roads. However, a PHEV can only run on electric power for a specific amount of miles (known as the electric range.) Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the car battery does not self-charge. Instead, you will need an external power source; known as a public charging station.

• Electric Vehicle (EV): If you’re curious about how to charge a hybrid car vs. an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll find that it is very different. They differ the most out of the three hybrid vehicle options. An electric vehicle has no gas engine; it only has an electric motor. More similar to an EV, the PHEV car plugs into an external 120v power source or charging station to charge its car battery.

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

Now that you know that charging a hybrid car battery is very different than charging a PHEV or EV, here are the three methods of charging a car battery:

1. Portable charging: The PHEV comes standard with a portable charging cord, and it is compatible with any 120-volt outlet in your household. Although convenient, the car battery does charge slowly.
2. Home fast charging: If slow car battery charges cramp your style, you can have a 240-volt charging station installed in your garage. There are additional costs for the installation, but the convenience and a faster charging rate might be worth it for you.
3. Public charging: Since eco-friendly cars have gained popularity over recent years, public charging stations have grown. Take your PHEV to a public charging station to charge its battery. Keep in mind that charging stations are not as common as gas stations. You will need to map out where public charging stations are along your route. However, charging stations are growing at a steady rate.

Find the Hybrid or PHEV for You at Beechmont Toyota!

Whether you want to know more about how to charge a hybrid car or how to charge a hybrid car battery, see us at Beechmont Toyota! Our friendly team can explain more about charging your car battery at home, public charging stations, how to charge a hybrid car battery demo, and more. Take one for a test drive and chat with our finance department on how you can buy or lease your next hybrid, PHEV, or electric vehicle %target_city_1%% drivers. In the meantime, have a look at our available hybrid vehicles.