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Mar 21, 2023
charging car

With many cars making the jump toward hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, you may be wondering what sets them apart. All hybrid cars feature both an electric motor and a traditional gas-powered engine, but the purpose of the battery changes depending on what kind of hybrid vehicle it is. Sansone Kia has a great selection of hybrid Kia vehicles to browse through. But before you take a look, you should know what makes hybrid and plug-in hybrids different.

Battery Usage

Typically, plug-in hybrid models use the battery more often than hybrid models. The battery is the primary power source for the car until it runs out, at which point the gas engine will kick in.

On the other hand, regular hybrid models rely on the battery less often. At slower speeds, the electric motor will put in most of the work. This would be most common in residential areas or cities since they don’t require high-speed driving. However, when you eventually transition to higher speeds, the engine will take over for the battery.

Recharging

A plug-in hybrid requires exactly what its name suggests, which is dedicated time to plug in and recharge the battery. This lets it store more power in a larger battery.

A full hybrid car recharges its battery through regenerative braking. This means that any excess heat made from braking the vehicle is converted into electricity for the battery. This process is more convenient, but it also means that the battery is smaller.

Learn More About Your Hybrid Options at Sansone Kia

Sansone Kia has both used and new Hybrid Kia vehicles for you to look at. Get pre-approved today with our Kia finance department to save time during your shopping experience.