What is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)?

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is defined by its combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, offering flexibility in power sources. This dual-power architecture allows PHEVs to operate on electric power for short trips, utilizing a rechargeable battery, and switch to gasoline or diesel for longer journeys, effectively increasing range and convenience. The electric motor and battery can often provide sufficient power for most daily activities, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing emissions during typical usage. This hybrid setup offers the best of both worlds, providing the efficiency of electric power with the range capability of traditional fuels.

In contrast, vehicles powered solely by an electric motor would not qualify as PHEVs, as they lack any combustion engine. Vehicles that rely only on hydrogen fuel cells differ fundamentally from PHEVs, as they operate through electrochemical reactions instead of combining electric and internal combustion systems. Lastly, a conventional car without electric features does not incorporate any hybrid technology, thus not fitting the PHEV classification at all.