How to Charge a Hybrid Car

Hybrid cars are everywhere on Louisville roads with everyone from daily commuters to off-road enthusiasts making the switch. Still, some Louisville drivers are hesitant about upgrading to a new hybrid because they don’t know how to charge a hybrid car. Hyundai of Louisville is here to help. How to charge a hybrid car depends on the type of hybrid, but most hybrids charge themselves! Learn more about charging a hybrid car battery here, and contact us if you want to get behind the wheel of a new hybrid.

Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric

If you’re still wondering how to charge a hybrid car battery, you’re not alone! It depends on whether it’s a regular hybrid, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or an electric vehicle (EV), which isn’t a hybrid at all. Knowing the differences between the three can help you decide which type of hybrid or EV best fits your Radcliff lifestyle:

• Regular Hybrids: Standard hybrid vehicles use an electric motor and combustion engine combination. Charging a hybrid car battery in this type of hybrid requires no change to your driving habits because the battery self-charges as you drive.
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: The PHEV segment is growing quickly, with new PHEV models being introduced regularly, like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tuscon Plug-in Hybrids. Like a traditional hybrid, PHEVs have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Still, unlike a standard hybrid, a PHEV can run just on electric power for a certain amount of miles (known as the electric range). So, a PHEV doesn’t self-charge. Instead, you need to plug it into a public charging station, a regular household outlet, or a fast-charging home station.
• Electric Vehicle: EVs technically aren’t hybrids at all, but some Shively drivers confuse them. Electric cars don’t have a gas engine, only an electric motor, so they too must be plugged into an external power source to charge their batteries.

How to Charge a Hybrid Car Battery: Three Methods

Many people prefer the PHEV segment because they still get better fuel economy when driving only on electric power around town, but they can use gas on long road trips. There are three ways to charge:

• Portable charging: Your PHEV will include a portable charging cord compatible with any household 120-volt three-prong outlet. These are convenient in an emergency, but they charge slowly.
• Home fast charging: Another option is installing a 240-volt fast-charging station in your garage. They have to be professionally installed by an electrician, but it is worth the investment because you get to recharge at a much faster rate.
• Public charging: There are public charging stations all around Louisville and beyond where you can stop to charge your PHEV.

Test Drive a Hybrid, PHEV, or EV at Hyundai of Louisville!

If you’re interested in the Hyundai hybrid or EV lineup, visit us at Hyundai of Louisville. Our team will take you on a test drive and explain our leasing and financing incentives. Please review our new vehicle specials to see if you can save some money, and contact us today!