What Are The Disadvantages Of Plug-in Hybrid Cars?

Are you planning to buy plug-in hybrid cars? Here are some disadvantages of plug-in hybrid cars that must be considered before closing a deal. It is mostly considered that plug-in hybrid electric cars create better air quality for the environment by reducing emissions, but they also allow us to save gas money with better fuel efficiency. However, many of us might not have an electric car, and it is understandable. In Addition, the infrastructure surrounding electric vehicles is still developing, so it may not be feasible for everyone to buy one, but that is also why plug-in hybrid cars are great transition models for car buyers. Let’s proceed further and know the disadvantages of plug-in hybrid cars. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Plug-in Hybrid Cars? 

Here, some important disadvantages of plug-in hybrid cars are given to make you aware of plug-in cars. 

1. More Expensive Than Regular Hybrids 
2. They Are In High Demands 
3. Owners Need Charging Facilities And Need To Stop At The Gas Station 
4. Resale Value Uncertainty 
5. Battery Life Concerns 
6. Complex To Maintain 
7. Embedded Energy Used In Battery Manufacturing 
8. Cost Saving 
9. Boot Space 
10. They Still Come With Running Costs 
11. Charging Time 

Disadvantages Of Plug-in Hybrid Cars 

Let’s discuss the disadvantages of plug-in hybrid cars one by one in detail.

1. More Expensive Than Regular Hybrids 

One of the most common problems with hybrid cars is that they are more expensive than other regular cars. Now, you may be thinking what makes plug-in hybrid cars more expensive than other hybrid cars. Then the answer is, the electric battery size and cost used in a plug-in hybrid car is larger and more expensive to replace than a full hybrid’s electric battery.

2. They Are In High Demands 

While knowing the pros and cons of plug-in hybrid cars, then you gotta know that plug-in hybrid cars are currently high in demand. As the hybrid vehicle market is predicted to hold around 25 to 30% of the global vehicle market. The growing trend of plug-in hybrid vehicles is expected to push the global hybrid vehicle market in the next decade.

Click here – What Are The Disadvantages Of Fiberglass Doors?

3. Owners Need Charging Facilities And Need To Stop At The Gas Station 

When the plug-in hybrid cars are manufactured, the work is not finished because they need charging stations or gas stations to be built. They need to be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery pack. No need for charging, since the battery pack gets charged within the vehicle via regenerative braking or a generator.

4. Resale Value Uncertainty 

The resale values of your used plug-in hybrid car is not that much. If you are a business-minded person and like to sell your used vehicle in high amounts, then plug-in hybrid cars are an exception for you. Currently, the resale value of plug-in hybrid cars lies between 50 and 60 percent of their original valuation.

5. Complex To Maintain 

Many users have reported that plug-in hybrid cars are complex to maintain. As owners need to stay on top of tire rotations, engine air filter replacement, high voltage cooling system inspections, braking system checks, and other MSMS services.

6. Cost Saving 

To truly cut costs, you will have to use a plug-in hybrid as intended. This means regular charging and using the electric-only drivetrain wherever possible. According to the EPA, driving a plug-in hybrid can cost as little as $800 a year in fuel costs, which would save a driver as much as $8000 over a five year ownership period.

7. Boot Space 

This varies, but boot space is often reduced when compared to an equivalent petrol or diesel car. This is due to the battery pack that sits in the rear. The MG HS plug-in hybrid is expected to have a boot space of 448 litres. A large boot allows you to carry more luggage.

8. They Still Come With Running Costs

Unlike an EV, the plug-in hybrid combustion engines mean that you still need to budget for servicing and maintenance when it comes to the mechanicals.

9. Charging Time 

The disadvantages of hybrid cars on the environment are not much but one of the irritating disadvantages of buying a plug-in hybrid car is its charging time. To charge the plug-in hybrid cars, the level 1 chargers can take 40 to 50 hours to charge a battery electric vehicle from empty and 5 to 6 hours to charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from empty. What happens if you don’t charge a plug in hybrid? Well, plug-in hybrid cars are not designed to be driven without a full battery charge.

Advantages Of Plug-in Hybrid Cars 

The advantages of plug-in hybrid cars are, 

• Familiarises drivers and fleets with electric tech 
• They are smooth and quiet 
• Zero tailpipe emissions in cities 
• Reduced fuel bills 
• Refuelling for longer journeys 
• Tax efficient 
• Cheap to run if doing regular 10/15 miles communities 
• Easy t drive 
• Fuel efficient in traffic 
• Zero emission when driving on batteries, etc. 

Everything has its disadvantages on Disadvantagess you will get to know more.

FAQ

Which Is Better Plug-In Hybrid Or Hybrid?

A plug-in hybrid may be able to get a little charge through regenerative braking. But since a plug-in car has a larger battery that it relies on more, it needs to be connected to an external power source to fully recharge. Full hybrids can recharge their electric batteries through regenerative braking.

Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Plug-In Hybrid?

You’ll Have More Range and Better Mileage
Often they’ll deliver upwards of 40 mpg. Add in the bonus of 30 to 50 miles of pure electric operation, and the range of a plug-in hybrid can be 500 or 600 miles per tank of fuel. In addition to being more efficient, plug-in hybrids have lower emissions than standard cars.

How Long Do Plug-In Hybrid Cars Last?

Since hybrids have both regenerative batteries and a fuel engine, both are used proportionally less — meaning both are likely to last longer. Roughly speaking, though, hybrid car drivers can expect to drive their car from anything between 5 and 15 years if suitable maintenance is carried out on them.

Is Insurance Higher On Plug-In Hybrid?

Hybrid cars often fall in the higher insurance groups because they have specialist parts and may need specialist repair.

Click here – What Are The Disadvantages Of Removing Wisdom Teeth?

Conclusion 

In this article, you have learned all about the advantages and disadvantages of plug-in hybrid cars in detail. They are combined petrol, deisel or alternative field engines with a battery and electric motor. Plugging into the mains electrical, allows for a longer range of electric-only power. The batteries have a greater storage capacity than an existing hybrid. Good for commuting, and short journey as when in electric mode there are zero tailpie emissions. This is all about the disadvantages of plug-in hybrid cars.

What is better a hybrid or plug-in hybrid

What are the disadvantages of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?