Hybrid vs PHEV vs BEV Cerritos CA

Hybrid vehicles were first introduced in the late 1990s. Although hybrid technology has evolved over time, the basic concept has remained the same. The common setup of a hybrid vehicle is an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors, and a battery. Hybrid vehicles prioritize electric power, therefore, provide improved fuel efficiency compared to gas-only vehicles. In fact, most hybrids only use gas power when accelerating while using electric power when coasting or decelerating. The battery pack in a hybrid vehicle is recharged by a process called regenerative braking. This takes the kinetic energy from the friction caused by braking, converts it into electrical energy, and sends it back to the battery pack, allowing continuous electrical power without needing to recharge. Hybrids are perfect for drivers with longer commutes looking to save fuel as they accomplish impressive fuel economy without ever needing to be plugged into an external power source. 

Simply put, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, commonly known as PHEV, bridges the gap between hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. The powertrain of a PHEV uses the same setup as a hybrid: a gas-powered engine, one or more electric motors, and an EV battery. However, in addition to regenerative braking, the PHEV battery is also recharged by an external power source, be it an at-home charging cable or a public EV charging station. Most PHEVs, like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Jeep 4xe models. allow drivers to choose between gas, electric, and hybrid power, giving them access to as much or as little fuel efficiency as they prefer. This also gives them the ability to run the vehicle even after the EV battery is depleted, which is not an option for a BEV. PHEVs are popular among a wider range of consumers as they provide longer total ranges and greater flexibility.

The last kind of electric vehicle is a battery-electric vehicle, or BEV. a BEV is completely void of a gas-powered engine, operating solely with a large EV battery and at least one electric motor. Of course, electricity isn’t free. However, recharging an electric vehicle costs about $60 less each month when compared to the cost of gallons of gas. On average, BEV owners see savings between $800 and $1,000 each year on refueling (or, in this case, recharging) their vehicles. BEVs are most popular among drivers with shorter commutes, considering the driving range. However, with the technology progressing to provide even further driving ranges and the increasing availability of public charging stations, BEVs are becoming more popular among a wider range of consumers. 

As the automotive industry grows nearer to an electric future every day, the brands that we sell here at Cerritos CDJR are making moves to stay with the times. Chrysler and Jeep have already started with the Pacifica Hybrid, Wrangler 4xe, and Grand Cherokee 4xe, which are all PHEVs. Meanwhile, Jeep plans to expand the 4xe PHEV platform to the entire lineup by 2025. Jeep has also unveiled the Recon and Wagoneer S, both of which are BEVs that will be available beginning in the 2024 model year. Dodge has also started their quest towards an electric future with the 2023 Hornet R/T, which uses a PHEV powertrain, and the Charger Daytona SRT, a future BEV from Dodge. 

If you’re looking to get into a new PHEV in the Cerritos, California, area, then Cerritos Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is the place to be. Here, you can find a selection of new PHEVs, including the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Wrangler 4xe, and Grand Cherokee 4xe. If you’re interested in learning more about these models, browse our inventory here on our website, or visit our Research Center to read reviews. To experience their electrified power, visit our sales team in-store to take a test drive. However you choose to shop, we look forward to serving you!