If you’re looking for a vehicle that combines the benefits of electric and gas power, you might want to consider a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). PHEVs are vehicles that can run on both electricity and gasoline, depending on the battery charge and driving conditions. They offer more flexibility and range than pure electric vehicles (EVs), while still reducing emissions and fuel costs.

But are PHEVs right for you? In this post, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of PHEVs, and give you some recommendations on the best PHEV models for 2023 in different categories: truck, SUV, and sedan.

What are the advantages of PHEVs?

PHEVs have several advantages over conventional gas-powered vehicles and pure EVs. Here are some of them:

• PHEVs can run on electricity for short trips. Most PHEVs have an electric-only range of 25 to 35 miles, which is enough to cover the average daily commute of most Americans¹. This means that you can drive on battery power alone for most of your trips, without using any gas or producing any tailpipe emissions.
• PHEVs can switch to gas for long trips. Unlike pure EVs, which need to recharge after a certain distance, PHEVs can keep going on gas power once the battery is depleted. This eliminates the range anxiety and charging hassle that some EV drivers may face. You can also refill your gas tank at any gas station, which is more convenient than finding a charging station.
• PHEVs are more fuel-efficient than gas-powered vehicles. When running on gas, PHEVs use a hybrid system that combines an engine and an electric motor to optimize performance and efficiency. They also use regenerative braking to capture some of the energy that would otherwise be wasted and store it in the battery. As a result, PHEVs have higher fuel economy ratings than comparable gas-powered vehicles.
• PHEVs are eligible for tax credits and incentives. The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for PHEV buyers, depending on the battery size and vehicle price². Some states and local governments also offer additional incentives, such as rebates, discounts, or access to carpool lanes³. These incentives can lower the upfront cost and make PHEVs more affordable.

What are the disadvantages of PHEVs?

PHEVs are not perfect, however. They also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying one. Here are some of them:

• PHEVs are more expensive than gas-powered vehicles and regular hybrids. PHEVs have higher sticker prices than comparable gas-powered vehicles and regular hybrids (which don’t plug in). This is because they have larger batteries and more complex powertrains. The price difference can range from a few thousand to over $10,000⁴.
• PHEVs have lower gas mileage than regular hybrids on long trips. When running on gas, PHEVs have lower fuel efficiency than regular hybrids, because they carry extra weight from the larger battery and electric motor. This means that if you drive mostly on gas, you may not save much on fuel costs compared to a regular hybrid.
• PHEVs require more maintenance than pure EVs. PHEVs still have an engine and other components that need regular servicing, such as oil changes, spark plugs, filters, etc. Pure EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. However, PHEVs may require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, because they use the engine less frequently.
• PHEVs may not have enough electric range for some drivers. Although most PHEVs can cover the average daily commute on electricity, some drivers may need more range for their specific needs. For example, if you live in a rural area or drive long distances regularly, you may not find enough charging stations along your route. In that case, you may be better off with a pure EV or a gas-powered vehicle.

What are the best PHEV models for 2023?

If you’re interested in buying a PHEV in 2023, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top-rated models in different categories: truck, SUV, and sedan.

Best PHEV Truck: 2023 Ford F-150 PowerBoost

The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling vehicle for over 40 years⁵, and it’s also one of the most versatile trucks on the market. The 2023 model offers a new PowerBoost option that combines a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a 35-kW electric motor and a 1.5-kWh battery. This powertrain delivers 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful F-150 ever.

The PowerBoost option also gives the F-150 an estimated electric range of 25 miles and a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg⁷. That’s impressive for a full-size truck that can tow up to 12,700 pounds and haul up to 2,120 pounds⁸. The F-150 also comes with a built-in generator that can power your tools, appliances, or even your home in case of an outage⁹.

Best PHEV SUV: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the U.S., and the Prime version adds a plug-in hybrid system that boosts its performance and efficiency. The RAV4 Prime uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors (one on each axle) to produce a combined output of 302 horsepower. That makes it the quickest RAV4 ever, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The RAV4 Prime also has an impressive electric range of 42 miles and a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg. That’s enough to cover most daily trips without using any gas, and still have plenty of range for longer journeys. The RAV4 Prime also has a spacious cabin, a large cargo area, and plenty of standard safety features.

Best PHEV Sedan: 2023 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that offers a sleek design, a comfortable ride, and a generous warranty. The plug-in hybrid version adds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 50-kW electric motor that deliver a combined output of 192 horsepower. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has an electric range of 28 miles and a combined fuel economy of 39 mpg¹⁶.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid also has a roomy interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a long list of standard features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The trunk is slightly smaller than the regular Sonata’s due to the battery placement, but it’s still adequate for most needs.

Conclusion

PHEVs are a great option for drivers who want to enjoy the benefits of both electric and gas power. They can save you money on fuel and emissions, while still giving you the flexibility and range you need. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as higher upfront costs, lower gas mileage on long trips, and more maintenance than pure EVs.

If you’re interested in buying a PHEV in 2023, you should consider your driving habits, budget, and preferences. You should also compare different models and brands to find the best fit for you. Some of the best PHEV models for 2023 are the Ford F-150 PowerBoost (truck), the Toyota RAV4 Prime (SUV), and the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (sedan). Check out the FuelEconomy.gov website for a full list of vehicles that qualify for the Federal EV Tax Credit.

We hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

And if you’re looking for more tips on how to optimize your EV lifestyle, check out our other blog posts on The Greener Electron. We cover topics like how to charge your EV faster, how to save money on your electricity bill, how to reduce your carbon footprint, and more.

Thanks for reading!

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