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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Photo of a small blue car with a yellow electrical cord and plug extending from its rear bumper. Painted on the side of the car below the windows: a green and white EnergyCS Logo; Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle in blue, black and white; U-Charge in blue and grey; 125 MPG /50 km per liter in black on white; and a Valence Technology, Inc. logo.

This Toyota Prius has been converted into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Plug-in hybrids—the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles—are emerging. Compared to standard hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer even greater fuel economy and diversity and fewer emissions.

Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery pack than a standard hybrid electric vehicle. This allows plug-in hybrids to operate predominantly on electricity for short trips. For longer trips, a plug-in hybrid draws liquid fuel from its onboard tank, which provides comparable driving range to a conventional vehicle. The vehicle's onboard computer chooses when to use which fuel most efficiently.

Unlike a battery used in a standard hybrid electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrid battery can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet at home or even at the workplace. And the electricity used to recharge its battery can be generated by a renewable energy source, such as solar, wind, or biomass. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can also draw from an alternative fuel in its onboard tank.

NREL's plug-in hybrid research falls under advanced vehicle systems.