Plug-in hybrid cars are finally getting the love they should.

So much better than all-electric for most drivers.

Image Credit: Author using ChatGPT 4. Prompt used to create image: draw me a futuristic profile of a slick electric vehicle. Image is 1st iteration from prompt, no edits.

I’ve worked in various areas of electric power all my career and consider myself an energy nerd. I’ve worked in solar energy, own a small parcel of land dedicated to conservation, have a home solar array.

I believe human CO2 emissions are causing climate change and that we have a duty to future generations to reduce that impact, so am generally supportive of taking care of the planet.

And with that in mind, I’d like to point out that plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) could do more to help solve the emissions problem faster than full electric battery EVs (BEVs) and without as many secondary environmental negatives.

I’m not car shopping now, but if I had to buy today, I would opt for a PHEV over a BEV. For me at least, it feels like the better fit for my needs and for the planet.

You may feel differently, but if you’re on the fence. Here’s my thinking:

First of all, how I drive.

Apparently I’m pretty much exactly the average American driver.

I drive about 250 miles per week, three or four longer driving trips per year, and 90% of my car trips are 25 miles or less.