Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, and automakers continue adding new models to the market each year. As the push for EVs continues, another vehicle type could slow things down. Some automakers skipped the PHEV phase, but others are embracing it. Those embracing it will find that plug-in hybrid vehicles could be the right blend of electric and gas power for many drivers.

What makes PHEVs enticing?

Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles, PHEVs combine the two to give you the best of both worlds. Today’s plug-in hybrids provide enough driving range for most daily commutes or trips to the store. These PHEVs also add the benefits of a gas-powered engine, making them great for road trips as well.

Putting the PHEV driving range to the numbers, here are the top ten longest-range PHEVs according to Car and Driver:

• Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid – 472 Miles
• Toyota RAV4 Prime – 492 Miles
• Toyota Prius Prime – 513 Miles
• Lexus NX450h+ – 533 Miles
• Mazda CX-90 PHEV – 536 Miles
• Volvo XC90 Recharge – 549 Miles
• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – 565 Miles
• Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered – 584 Miles
• Volvo XC60 Recharge Polestar Engineered -591 Miles
• Mercedes-Benz S580e – 688 Miles

These driving ranges combine the EV range and the gas-powered driving range. The model with the longest EV driving range is the Mercedes-Benz S580e, which can travel 58 miles using only electric power.

By comparison, the longest-range EVs, according to Car and Driver, are:

• Lucid Air – 410 Miles
• Mercedes-Benz EQS – 400 Miles
• Tesla Model S – 320 Miles
• BMW i7 – 310 Miles
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 300 Miles
• BMW iX – 290 Miles
• GMC Hummer EV Pickup – 290 Miles
• Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – 290 Miles
• Genesis Electrified G80 – 280 Miles
• Porsche Taycan – 280 Miles
• Rivian R1T – 280 Miles

As you can see, the EVs don’t come close to the driving range of the PHEVs.

Is there a charging benefit to driving PHEVs?

Modern electric vehicles require a Level 2 at-home charger to be useful to most drivers. This means obtaining electrical permits and hiring an electrician to install the charger’s outlet. This can be expensive and might not be desirable to some homeowners.

Most PHEVs have a small enough battery pack to utilize a Level 1 charging system. This simply plugs the vehicle into a regular 120-volt outlet for overnight charging. It might take all night for the vehicle to charge: the Lexus TX550h+ takes 10 to 12 hours, but the cost savings could be worth it for some drivers.

When it comes to long-range driving, PHEVs have EV licked. This difference could slow the progression toward a fully electric market but allows many drivers to enjoy long road trips.

Source: Tom’s Guide