Am I using gas when my plug-in hybrid is in EV mode?

by Robert Beas - Posted 1 year ago

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can drive without using gas if they have a sufficient battery charge. PHEVs are designed to be able to operate in all-electric mode for a certain distance or speed range, depending on the specific model and battery capacity.
When the battery charge is sufficient, a PHEV will operate in electric-only mode, using the electric motor to power the vehicle. This means that the vehicle will not consume any gasoline or produce any tailpipe emissions. The exact distance that a PHEV can drive on electric power alone varies depending on the model, but some can travel up to 40 miles or more in electric-only mode.
Once the battery charge is depleted or the vehicle requires additional power, the gasoline engine will automatically turn on to provide additional power to the electric motor. This allows the PHEV to continue driving even when the battery charge is low or when additional power is needed, such as during high-speed driving or when climbing hills.
In addition to using electricity to power the vehicle, PHEVs also have a traditional gasoline fuel tank that can be refueled at gas stations. This allows PHEV drivers to take longer trips without having to worry about running out of battery charge, and also offers the potential for improved fuel economy compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
Overall, PHEVs offer drivers the flexibility to switch between electric and gasoline power depending on their driving needs and the availability of charging infrastructure. This can make them a good option for drivers who want the benefits of electric driving but still need the range and convenience of a gasoline engine.