If you're considering an EV or plug-in hybrid, you must also consider how you'll keep your new vehicle's batteries charged. You'll need a home charger that fits the capabilities of your new EV and your driving routine.

Note: If any of the topics and terms mentioned below leave you wanting more info, check out the Autel Energy EV 101 Glossary, titled Learning To Speak EV.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

If you purchase a traditional hybrid (like a Toyota Prius) you don't need a charger. Even though these vehicles benefit from battery power and electric motor boosting to improve fuel economy, HEVs cannot be plugged in. No home charger is needed. 

Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

PHEVs are the next step up in electric vehicles that have larger, higher-voltage battery packs than hybrids. As the name implies, PHEVs can be plugged in. And because PHEVs have gasoline engines to supplement battery power, these vehicles actually have two fuel doors; one for electricity and the other for gasoline.

Most new PHEVs come with a Level 1 charging cord as standard equipment. These are typically used for home-based charging and operate on standard 110-volt/12-amp service. During the development of this story, we had a 2022 Kia Niro PHEV in our fleet. The Niro PHEV travels around 26 miles on electricity before its engine turns on to power the little SUV.