One of the most common questions we get about hybrid cars is whether they need to be plugged in. The simple answer depends on the type of hybrid car you choose. In general, hybrid cars do not require charging. However, some customers may encounter situations where this isn't the case. So why is that? Today, let's dive deeper into whether hybrid cars need to be plugged in to charge.

We think that different customers seem to encounter different situations, which may be related to the type of hybrid car they have.

There are three main types of hybrid cars: 

traditional hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and mild hybrids(MHEV). 

Among them, traditional hybrids and mild hybrids do not require plugging in to charge. Traditional hybrid cars charge their battery through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine, so owners do not need to plug them in. The hybrid system automatically switches between the gasoline engine and the electric motor to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Mild hybrids are equipped with a small electric motor that helps with acceleration and improves fuel efficiency, but they rely on the gasoline engine and regenerative braking to charge the battery. The design of mild hybrids is aimed at providing better fuel efficiency than traditional gasoline vehicles without the need for plugging in to charge.

It is likely that the situation where our customers encounter the need to plug in for charging is because they own a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A plug-in hybrid is equipped with a larger battery that can be charged through an external power source, such as a home outlet or a charging station. It can travel a certain distance in electric mode (usually between 20 to 40 miles, depending on the model), but it also has a gasoline engine to extend the driving range. Therefore, if you want to maximize its electric driving range, you must charge it. Of course, you can also choose not to charge it, and in this case, the plug-in hybrid will still function as a traditional hybrid, using the gasoline engine and regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In summary, whether you need to charge a hybrid car depends on the type of hybrid car you own:

Traditional Hybrid (HEV): No, charging is not needed; the vehicle automatically charges while driving.

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Yes, charging helps maximize the electric driving range, but even if you don’t charge it, it can still function as a regular hybrid.

Mild Hybrid (MHEV): No, charging is not needed; it relies on the gasoline engine and regenerative braking to charge the battery.