A hybrid car has a gas-powered engine, but it doesnt solely rely on that gas engine to get going. Hybrids have electric motors that are powered by batteries. Those motors can drive the car by themselves at low speeds for a short period of time, or run in conjunction with the gas engine to create extra power. When you press the brake, the electric motors also work as generators, slowing the car and generating electricity that gets stored in the battery.

A plug-in hybrid is similar to a hybrid, but the electric battery is the primary power source for the car. When the battery runs down, the internal combustion engine takes over. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a bridge between traditional hybrids and full electric vehicles, allowing for local driving on electric power alone with the convenience and range of a gas engine for longer road trips.

The main difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is that by regularly charging a PHEV, you’ll be getting the most bang for your buck. Both vehicles can be driven just by putting gasoline in the tank. However, if you regularly charge your PHEV, you can reduce your fuel costs considerably by driving in EV mode. Thats an important cost savings because most plug-in hybrids cost more than their equivalent hybrid counterparts.