A plug-in hybrid car is a type of hybrid electric vehicle that uses batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine (ICE) . The battery pack in a plug-in hybrid car can be recharged by plugging a charging cable into an external electric power source, in addition to being charged internally by the ICE. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to use the ICE. Plug-in hybrids have larger batteries than traditional hybrids, which allows them to travel a greater all-electric range. Some popular terms used for plug-in hybrids are "grid-connected hybrids", "Gas-Optional Hybrid Electric Vehicle" (GO-HEV), or simply "gas-optional hybrids".

Key components of a plug-in hybrid electric car include:

• Battery: In an electric drive vehicle, the traction battery pack provides electricity to power the electric motor. The low-voltage auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the car before the traction battery is engaged, and it also powers vehicle accessories.

• Charge Port: The charge port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply to charge the traction battery pack.

• DC/DC Converter: This device converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC power needed to run vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.

• Electric Generator: Generates electricity from the rotating wheels while braking, transferring that energy back to the traction battery pack. Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive and regeneration functions.

• Electric Traction Motor: Using power from the traction battery pack, this motor drives the vehicles wheels.

Plug-in hybrids are a great bridge technology between regular gasoline cars and fully electric vehicles. They blend most of an EVs fuel savings with a gas cars range, but some are more efficient than others. If you tend to travel short distances and plug in whenever you get the chance, you will likely save money in the long run, since it costs a lot less to drive on electricity than on gasoline.