How to Charge a Hybrid Car

If you’re a new hybrid vehicle owner, or thinking about trading in your car for a hybrid, you might be wondering how to charge a hybrid car. Hybrid cars combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, which helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. However, not all hybrids require the same charging process. Understanding the differences between various types of hybrid vehicles and the proper methods for charging a hybrid car battery can help you get the most out of your car’s performance and efficiency. Read along as the team at Hendrick Kia of Cary explains how to charge a hybrid car. 

Charging a Hybrid Car Battery: Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric

Before diving into charging a hybrid car battery, it’s important to distinguish between the types of hybrid vehicles available, as each has a different approach to charging. Knowing the difference between them can help you determine which type of hybrid is the best fit for your lifestyle:

• Standard Hybrids: If you remember when hybrids first started becoming popular, this is the type of car you’re thinking of. Standard hybrid cars use an electric motor in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. Charging a hybrid car battery in a standard hybrid is simple and requires no change to your daily routine: the battery self-charges as you drive around Cary!
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: The PHEV segment has seen immense growth in recent years. Like the standard hybrid, it uses both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Unlike a standard hybrid, however, a PHEV can run solely on electric power for a certain number of miles (known as the electric range). This also means that a PHEV cannot self-charge; you will need to plug it into an external power source at a public charging station, a 120-volt household outlet, or a fast-charging home station. 
• Electric Vehicle: EVs technically stand on their own in a separate segment than hybrids and PHEVs. They have no gas engine, only an electric motor. Similar to a PHEV, an EV must be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery. 

How to Charge a Plug-In Hybrid Car Battery: Three Methods

Many Apex drivers gravitate toward the PHEV segment because it allows them to save money when running errands around town by driving on full electric power, but they still have the option of a gas engine when going on long road trips. Charging a plug-in hybrid car battery can be achieved with three methods:

• Portable charging: Your PHEV will come standard-equipped with a portable charging cord, which should be compatible with any household-style 120-volt outlet. These are convenient in an emergency, but the catch is that they charge at a slow rate. 
• Home fast charging: You can also opt to have a 240-volt fast charging station installed in your Durham garage for convenient home charging. This will come at an added cost but is typically worth the investment because you can recharge at a much faster rate without leaving home. 
• Public charging: There are also public charging stations in the Raleigh area where you can stop to charge your PHEV whenever you need to. Public charging stations aren’t yet as common as gas stations, but their numbers are growing at a steady rate. 

Learn More About Charging a Hybrid Car Battery at Hendrick Kia of Cary! 

Still unsure how to charge a hybrid car battery or want more information on hybrid vehicle maintenance? The service team at Hendrick Kia of Cary is here to help. Whether you’re driving a standard hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, our experts can guide you through the charging process and answer any questions you may have about maintaining your vehicle’s battery.

Visit us in Cary or reach out online to learn more about charging a hybrid car battery and explore our selection of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Let us help you get the most out of your hybrid driving experience!