Take the first step in our transition towards a fossil-fuel free economy.
Plug-in hybrid cars offer drivers the fuel-efficiency of hybrid cars and the ability to plug in to household electricity when the car is not in use. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (or PHEV) offers extended electric-only propulsion, combined with the reliability of a backup gasoline engine.
Drivers can use the electric mode for short trips, and switch to ‘blended’ mode (combined gas/electric) once the battery runs low, or if higher engine performance is needed.
Plug-in hybrids are more fuel-efficient, they produce far less pollution, and save hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs because they have a large battery which can be charged by both the engine and an outlet. A conventional hybrid vehicle also has a battery, but it can’t be charged by plugging it in – instead, the motor charges the battery. Because of this, a plug-in is generally more expensive than a conventional hybrid because the battery has to have a larger capacity.
Plug-in cars typically use lithium-ion batteries instead of rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, which are smaller in order to save space, but also cost more. The savings comes in use, by avoiding the pumps and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
The following plug-in cars are currently available:
2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 14.4 kWh lithium ion
• Range (battery mode): 37 miles
• Horsepower (combined): 221 hp
• Extended range: 520 miles
• Estimated mpg: 105 MPGe
• Recharge rate: 3.5 hours at 240v
• Cost: $34,785
Ford’s next generation Ford Escape plug-in hybrid helps electrify one of the most popular SUVs on the market. It has the latest in automotive technology, including a system of cameras designed to keep drivers from wandering out of their lanes, adaptive cruise control and parking-assist sensors.
The Plug-in Escape also comes with regenerative braking which recovers 94% of the kinetic energy lost due to friction. This model is available in front wheel drive only, but with excellent fuel economy, the Escape has everything a driver needs.
2022 Toyota Prius Prime
• Battery pack: 8.4 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 25 miles
• Combined horsepower: 121 hp
• Extended range: 640 miles
• Estimated mpg: 133 MPGe
• Recharge time: 2.2 hours at 240v
• Cost: $29,245+
Toyota was the first to bring a plug-in hybrid to market with the 2012 Prius Plug-In. The second-generation plug-in, the Prius Prime, uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive system of the regular Prius, which is paired with an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (double the previous generation) in place of the Prius’ nickel-metal-hydride battery.
The Prius Prime is outstanding for comfort, affordability and reliability. The model offers more room than the average sedan and its 133 MPGe rating makes it one of the most efficient plug-in vehicles on the road.
2022 Audi Q5 TFSIe
• Battery pack: 17.9 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 23 miles
• Combined horsepower: 362 hp
• Extended range: 390 miles
• Estimated mpg: 61 MPGe
• Recharge time: n/a
• Cost: $54,600+
The 2022 Audi Q5 TFSIe Plug-In is a luxury crossover with a larger capacity battery, meaning even greater fuel economy and fewer emissions. Styled like a compact hatchback, the Audi Q5 TFSIe possesses quick acceleration and traffic jam assist. It also comes equipped with a windshield-mounted front camera that scans the road for vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles for added safety.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 8.9 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 29 miles
• Combined horsepower: 139 hp
• Extended range: 622 miles (609km)
• Estimated mpg: 119 MPGe
• Recharge time: 5 hours at 240v
• Cost: $27,850+
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in model continues to offer the best of both worlds for fans of this car’s previous iterations. Heated front and rear seats, along with heated steering, make this car a pleasure to drive in cold climates. Dual-zone automatic temperature control and a wireless charging pad provide added convenience. The Bluelink connected vehicle system lets you stay in touch with your car directly from your phone, no matter where you are.
2022 Hyundai Tuscon Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 33 miles
• Combined horsepower: 261 hp
• Extended range: 420 miles
• Estimated mpg: 80 MPGe
• Recharge time: under 2 hours at 240v
• Cost: $35,975+
The Hyundai Tuscon is one of the brand’s most successful SUVs and competes well with the Toyota RAV4 and other models in the compact SUV category. Its higher capacity battery outshines the regular hybrid model, giving drivers a full 33 miles of electric range before it kicks into gas. While its extended range isn’t quite as much as the Ioniq above, it charging time is a lot less: two hours versus five.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
• Battery pack: lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 31 miles
• Combined horsepower: 261
• Extended range: n/a
• Estimated mpg: 76 MPGe
• Recharge time: 3.3 hours at 240v
• Cost: $40,745+
The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is a new offering for 2022. Falling somewhere between the Toyota RAV4 and the Mitsubishi Outlander in terms of features, it’s an ideal commuter or family car. With more horsepower than the standard Santa Fe, the plug-in hybrid model is a fast, smooth ride with ample cargo space and hidden storage.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in
• Battery pack: 16 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 32 miles
• Combined horsepower: 260 mph
• Extended range: 520 miles
• Estimated mpg: 82 MPGe
• Recharge time: 2 hours at 240v
• Cost: $49,000+
This is a seven-passenger minivan. You wouldn’t necessarily equate the Chrysler with innovation, but Chrysler has managed to introduce the world’s first plug-in hybrid minivan, first available in 2017. With an EV range of 32 miles, the Pacific Hybrid plug-in drives on electricity alone unless full-throttle is needed, which is over 70 mph. For most minivan drivers, this is enough to stay electric most of the time. When the gas engine does kick in, it gets better mileage than the non-hybrid model.
The 2022 model preserves the regenerative braking feature, which was added in 2021 and has given families as much bang for their buck as possible with a reasonable price tag and a familiar driving experience.
2022 Volvo S60 Recharge Plug-in
• Battery pack: lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 22 miles
• Combined horsepower: 400 mph
• Recharge time: n/a
• Available: 2022
• Cost: (est.)$48,700 US
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has two options for customers who like Scandinavian sedan design and plug-in hybrid efficiency. The R-Design is billed as ‘dynamic and stylish’ for active driving. The Polestar Engineered option (at a higher price tag) offers ‘performance and refinement’ with its forged wheels, Brembo brakes and more.
The advanced cabin cleaner boasts pure air free from harmful particles, along with leather-free seats crafted from soft, woven wool. Available in all-wheel drive, the V60 Recharge comes in ‘mild hybrid’ and full plug-in hybrid models. Other models are available in the Recharge series, including the S90, V60, XC60 and the XC90.
2022 BMW 330e
• Battery pack: 12.0 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 20 miles (23 miles RWD)
• Combined horsepower: 288
• Extended range: n/a
• Estimated mpg: 67 MPGe (75 MPGe RWD)
• Recharge time: 5.7 hours at 240v
• Cost: $44,000+
The BMW 330e feels like any other BMW in driving, acceleration and handling as a sports luxury car, and as a 3-series it has some roominess for five passengers as well as a decent amount of trunk space. As a plug-in, BMW has not sacrificed driving dynamics, evidenced by the many driving options included such as the Xtraboost function for snappy take-offs.
The BMW 330e has one of the smallest EV ranges at 20 (for all wheel drive) and 23 (for rear wheel drive), and its gas fuel-efficiency has slipped in recent years when compared to other plug-in hybrid models. The pricier plug-in hybrids from BMW–including the 530e and their luxury model, the 745e–get even fewer electric miles. Of course, luxury sedan owners may not be concerned with saving money on gas, but the manufacturer could be more concerned with saving the planet.
2022 Cooper SE Countryman ALL4
• Battery pack: 7.6 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 17 miles
• Combined horsepower: 221
• Extended range: 300 miles
• Estimated mpg: 73 MPGe
• Recharge time: 2.5 hours at 240v
• Cost: $41,500+
The Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 has small electric and extended ranges when combined to other vehicles on this list. However, Cooper targets urban drivers seeking affordability, and given the other features in the Countryman, longer ranges may have sacrificed those two attributes.
Available in all wheel drivetrain, the plug-in hybrid Countryman comes with two trim options boasting heated front seats and an 8.8″ touch screen display. The driver assist features include forward collision warning to improve driving and parking safety.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 17 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 26 miles
• Combined horsepower: 375 hp
• Extended range: 470 miles
• Estimated mpg: 56 MPGe
• Recharge time: n/a
• Cost: $58,095+
Jeep’s plans to electrify their entire fleet by 2025 are well underway with this plug-in hybrid option of the popular Grand Cherokee. Off-road capable and able to pull 6,000 pounds, the plug-in Cherokee offers muscle and style to those looking for a full-size SUV.
2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 8.9 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 26 miles
• Combined horsepower: 139 hp
• Extended range: 560 miles
• Estimated mpg: 105 MPGe, 22 MPG gas
• Recharge time: 3 hours at 240v
• Cost: $29,590+
The Kia Niro is another crossover SUV that ranks as affordable in this category. Its stylish lines have slowly edged out other models to win fans of PHEVs across North America. Enhanced auto emergency braking along with cyclist detection and lane following assist make the Niro an extremely safe ride. Smart cruise control, heated front seats and a wireless phone charger add to the pleasure. In terms of drivetrain, the Niro is only available in front wheel drive.
2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 32 miles
• Combined horsepower: 261 hp
• Extended range: 460 miles
• Estimated mpg: 79 MPGe
• Recharge time: 3.4 hours at 240v
• Cost: $45,190
The Sorento is a crossover SUV from Kia that adds size and battery capacity over the smaller Niro. While it’s range is slightly longer than the Niro, its size and weight makes it slightly less efficient in MPGe. Despite this, the Sorento charges fairly quickly and provides enough electric power for shorter commutes.
Packed with all the latest safety features including blind spot detection technology, rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance, and lane assist, the Sorento also has a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation for easy use. Unlike the Niro, it is only available in all wheel drive.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid
• Battery pack: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion
• Range (battery mode): 24 miles
• Combined horsepower: 221 hp
• Extended range: n/a
• Estimated mpg: 74 MPGe
• Recharge time: 4 hours at 240v
• Cost: $37,000+
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a larger SUV offering plenty of cargo space for trips or daily drives. Its dual climate control along with heated seats and steering makes the cabin comfy no matter who’s inside.
Featuring fully integrated Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, the Outlander lets you answer texts, calls and emails while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Predictive mapping and geolocation helps you arrive in style while avoiding traffic and stress.
Another version will be available in North America later in 2022 with upgrades leading to a 54 mile range–not too shabby for a plug-in-hybrid of this size.
Plug-in Cars in the News
- 10 great Plug-in hybrids if you’re not ready for a full EV
- How do plug-in hybrid electric vehicles work?
- Is a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric car right for you?
- Plug-in hybrids are a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’
- Plug-in hybrids beat pure electrics by eliminating range anxiety, but hurdles build
- 5 plug-in hybrid cars we’d like to see developed
- Plug-in hybrids to see growth in market presence this year
- Should plug-in hybrids use public charging?
Plug-in Car Links
- Electric Drive Transportation Association: Information about electric vehicles, events, emissions, environmental impacts and more.
- Buyers Guide for Hybrid Cars: Offers current price comparisons.
- FuelEconomy.gov: Side by side comparisons
