How to Charge a Hybrid Car

Have you been considering trading in your conventional gas-powered car for green technology? Some Oak Lawn drivers feel apprehensive about switching to a hybrid because they don’t know how to charge a hybrid car. The method of how to charge a hybrid car battery depends on whether it’s a traditional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Volkswagen of Oak Lawn explains the process of how to charge a hybrid car below, and if you have questions, contact us.

Charging a Hybrid Car Battery: Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric

If you’ve been wondering how to charge a hybrid car battery around Chicago, you’re not alone! The process depends on the type of hybrid you select: a standard hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or even an electric vehicle (EV). Knowing the difference can help you choose which type of hybrid is the best fit for your Burbank lifestyle:

• Standard Hybrids: Standard hybrid cars have been on the market the longest and use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. Charging a hybrid car battery in this type of hybrid is easy and requires no change to your daily driving routine. The reason is that the battery self-charges as you drive! That’s why standard hybrid models are so popular.
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Recently, the PHEV segment has grown tremendously! PHEVs also use both an electric motor and a gas engine, but unlike a standard hybrid, a PHEV can run only on electric power. But a PHEV can’t self-charge. You must plug it into an external power source, such as a public charging station, a 120-volt household outlet, or a fast-charging in-home station.
• Electric Vehicle: EVs are entirely different than hybrids and PHEVs because they have no combustion engine, only an electric motor. Like a PHEV, an electric vehicle must be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery.

How to Charge a Plug-In Hybrid Car Battery: Three Methods

Many people prefer a PHEV because they save money when running errands around Naperville by driving on full electric power, but they can still use the gas engine when on long road trips. Charging a hybrid car battery in a PHEV can be achieved in three methods:

• Portable charging: Your new PHEV will come with a portable charging cord compatible with any traditional household-style 120-volt outlet. It is convenient but takes a long time to charge, typically about 24 hours.
• Home fast charging: Another option is to have a 240-volt fast-charging station professionally installed in your garage. It is usually worth the investment because you can charge your PHEV much faster without leaving home.
• Public charging: You’ll find public charging stations all around Oak Lawn in shopping malls and parking garages. Public charging stations are becoming much more common, and more are added daily.

Shop For a New Hybrid or EV at Volkswagen of Oak Lawn!

If a hybrid or electric vehicle sounds right for you, visit us at Volkswagen of Oak Lawn. Let our friendly team introduce you to the new ID.4 electric vehicle, or show you pre-owned hybrid cars on our lot. You can start the process by completing an online credit application. We look forward to helping you!