Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

a woman plugging a 2023 Chevy bolt ev in

 

The popularity of eco-friendly vehicles is on the rise, and you’re sure to see more and more of these environmentally conscious vehicles on the roads of North Charleston and Mount Pleasant. If you’re not quite ready for EV ownership just yet, don’t worry. You still have plenty of options that help you get the most out of every drop of fuel. We encourage you to take a look at hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

So, what is the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid models? Conventional hybrid vehicles use gas and electric power simultaneously. The gas engine is also used to charge the battery. A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery that is charged via a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charging unit. Plug-in hybrids allow you to drive on electricity alone for local commutes. When the battery is drained, it’s time for the gasoline engine to kick in. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid models below.

Why Choose a Hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles share a lot of similarities with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, but you’ll be spending less time and money at James Island gas stations. A hybrid vehicle is simultaneously powered by a gas engine and an electric motor. This drastically improves fuel economy. The gas engine works to charge the vehicle’s battery, so you do not have to stop to charge the vehicle at any time. Many Charleston drivers choose hybrid vehicles for the fuel savings and the fact that there is no driving routine disruption.

Why Choose a Plug-In Hybrid?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles also feature a gasoline engine and an electric motor. However, these components do not operate the same way. When charged, a plug-in hybrid vehicle will run on electricity alone until the battery has been depleted. Once the battery is drained, then the gas engine will take over. Rather than the two power sources working in conjunction, plug-in hybrid vehicles use the gasoline engine as a backup. Of the two options, plug-in hybrids are usually the most efficient.

Your Eco-Friendly Ride Awaits at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet

Do you still have questions about the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles? Do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet. We can answer any questions you may have and get you set up with a test drive.

 

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$699.00 Closing Fee is included in advertised price. The Closing Fee is a charge that is permitted but not required by law.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

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Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details. 

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZT00740. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/3/26. **Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. 0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.9%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/3/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZT00740. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/3/26. **Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. 0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.9%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/3/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #DT00186. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/3/26. **0% APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $27.78 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 10.7%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery 8/3/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*0% APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $27.78 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 17.1%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery 8/3/26. **Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*0% APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $27.78 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 10.7%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery 8/3/26. **Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

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