How to Charge a Hybrid Car

Honda Plug-In Hybrid

If you’re interested in trading in your traditional car and choosing a hybrid model, you might be wondering how day-to-day driving differs. How does charging a hybrid car battery work? That depends on which model you select: traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full-electric vehicle. Honda of Kirkland guides you through all three types below, so find out how to charge a hybrid car and get shopping in Kirkland today! 

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

Not sure how to charge a hybrid car battery in Woodinville? You might be surprised by how simple it is to make the switch to hybrid models, and charging a hybrid car battery is probably much easier than you think. Let’s go through the difference between a standard hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or an electric vehicle (EV).

  • Standard Hybrids: Standard hybrids include options like the Accord Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid. These models use an electric motor and internal combustion engine. The battery charges itself as you drive through Seattle, so there’s no need to change your everyday driving routine at all!
  • Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): PHEV models use an electric motor and an internal combustion engine like a standard hybrid, but they can also run solely on electric power. This means it cannot self-charge, and you’ll need to plug it into an external power source at a public charging station, a 120-volt household outlet, or a fast-charging home station. 
  • Electric Vehicle: EVs are technically not hybrids, but they’re in a category of their own. They have no gas engine at all, just the electric motor and battery. Like a PHEV, a fully-electric car must be charged into an external power source for power.

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

If you have a PHEV or EV model, you’ll need to learn how to charge a hybrid car battery. Charging a plug-in hybrid car battery can be achieved with three methods:

  • Portable charging: Your vehicle will come with a portable charging cord for convenience, which works with any household 120-volt outlet. However, this is the slowest method by far.
  • Home fast charging: For greater charging efficiency, many drivers opt for a home installation of a 240-volt fast charging station. This speeds up your charging time exponentially, and while you’ll have to pay for installation, the convenience of an at-home charging station is well worth the cost for most drivers.
  • Public charging: If you’re out and about, there are public charging stations that you can use for a quick charge on the go. While they aren’t as common as gas stations, public charging stations are becoming more and more common as the EV market booms.

Find the Hybrid or PHEV for You at Honda of Kirkland! 

Whether you’re looking for fuel-efficient Hondas or hybrid cars for sale, the team at Honda of Kirkland can help you find the right match for your lifestyle and budget. Just contact us with your questions and we’ll make sure you get the answer that you need. Want to see your options up close? Visit our showroom in Kirkland!

 

More from Honda of Kirkland

  • Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

      If you currently own an electric vehicle, or you’re interested in transitioning to one, then you know that these automobiles require charging in order to power you through your Redmond travels. However, are all electric car chargers the same? If you purchase a new EV, does that mean you have to purchase a totally…

  • 2026 Honda HR-V Trim Levels

      From commutes to Redmond to weekend drives out of town, the 2026 Honda SUV HR-V delivers style, technology, and efficiency in one sleek package. The latest lineup features three distinctive trims, each tailored to different lifestyles. Whether you prioritize value, want the bold styling of the Honda HR-V Sport, or prefer the luxury refinements…

  • 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid Interior

      When it comes to midsize sedans that effortlessly combine comfort, high-end technology, and incredible fuel efficiency, the 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid sets the benchmark. Whether you are navigating daily rush-hour commutes to Redmond or setting out on a weekend drive across the Pacific Northwest, the cabin of this hybrid sedan is engineered to keep…

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Menu

Get Directions

12420 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA, 98033
Honda of Kirkland 47.6798067, -122.1753462.