How to Charge a Hybrid Car

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!