Do I Need a Special Charger for a Plug-In Hybrid?

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a good choice for drivers who want to reduce their emissions but aren’t ready for a fully electric vehicle. According to Department of Transportation statistics, the average American driver travels about 37 miles per day. An average PHEV has a 40-mile electric range—perfect! 

Driving a PHEV can also help you save money since you can spend less on gas and cash in on tax credits.

So, how do you keep the electric part of a PHEV juiced up? Just like any other EV, for the most part. Getting a special charger for your plug-in hybrid isn’t necessary but is sometimes desirable, depending on your situation.

Most PHEVs come packaged with a Level 1 charging cord in the trunk, which makes it the simplest and cheapest way to charge at home. In fact, for many drivers, a Level 1 charger is all you really need.

As a rule of thumb, Level 1 chargers can add 3 or 4 miles of driving range for every hour they’re plugged in. You’ll typically be able to fully recharge the battery in 12 hours or less. Even if you’ve run down your battery by the end of the day, you can plug it in before you go to bed, and it should be ready to go in the morning. 

If you occasionally want to charge faster than a Level 1 plug but aren’t ready to install a Level 2 charger in your home, remember you can turn to public charging stations for a quick boost. Many shopping centers, restaurants, and government buildings like libraries have Level 2 charging stations. (PHEVs generally aren’t compatible with the really speedy Level 3 chargers.)

A caveat for Level 1 charging

Depending on how your house’s electrical system is wired and how the outlets are laid out, you might need to be mindful about where you plug in your Level 1 charger. 

The outlet where it’s most convenient to plug in your Level 1 charger might also share a circuit with other stuff in your house. Setup is easy—almost too easy. If you plug your PHEV into a circuit shared with other appliances, you might overload the circuit and tripping the breaker. This typically isn’t a problem if you’re using an outdoor outlet, but try to make sure the charger isn’t sharing a circuit with a refrigerator, for example.

A Level 2 charger is the gold standard for charging an EV at home. But for PHEVs, it’s more like a nice-to-have. With a typical 32-amp Level 2 charger, you can charge almost any PHEV in 2 hours or less. 

When you eventually buy a fully electric vehicle—as 68% of PHEV or EV owners are likely to —you’ll also be happy to have the peace of mind that comes with speedy at-home charging. That’s especially true if you’ll need to charge two EVs at home. Once you get your home set up for a Level 2 charger, you won’t need to do it again.

Getting that faster charge, however, comes with a bit of legwork. 

While a Level 1 charger is a simple plug-and-go method, you’ll often need to work with an experienced electrician to install a Level 2 charger in the right spot in your home. Most people need to install a new 240-volt circuit (similar to a plug for an electric clothes dryer). There’s also a chance you’ll need to modify your electrical panel.

Check out our guide on the best hybrid cars and manufacturers, and shop for the best EV chargers through the EnergySage Marketplace.

Photo courtesy: iStock