Buying a car remotely: how it works, step by step
6 Oct 2026 4 min
Plug-in hybrid, electric hybrid or electric car: which one is right for you?
6 Oct 2026 · 4 min läsningElectric hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric car? All three reduce fuel costs – but they suit completely different everyday lives.
If you choose the wrong one, the savings can almost disappear. If you choose the right one, you can significantly reduce your mileage costs. Here's how it all works.
Summary
- Choose electric hybrid if you cannot charge at home, for example if you live in an apartment.
- Choose plug-in hybrid if you can charge at home but sometimes make long trips.
- Choose an electric car if you can charge at home or at work and mostly drive everyday routes.
Three drivetrains, six differentials
| Electric hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | Electric car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charged with cord | No | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on electricity only | Short pieces at low speed | Often 4–8 km | Always |
| Fuel | Petrol | Gasoline + electricity | El |
| Operating cost | Low | Very low if you charge often | Lowest |
| Service | Like a petrol car | Like a petrol car | Simpler, fewer wearing parts |
| Suits you as | Unable to charge | Can charge but runs long sometimes | Can charge at home or at work |
What is an electric hybrid?
An electric hybrid combines a gasoline engine with a smaller electric motor and a small battery.
The battery is automatically charged while driving, including when you brake and coast. So you never need to connect the car to a charger.
The electric motor helps the petrol engine when needed. This reduces fuel consumption, especially in cities and heavy traffic.
Who is an electric hybrid suitable for?
Electric hybrids are suitable for those who want to reduce fuel consumption but do not want to, or cannot, charge the car.
It's a simple step up from a regular petrol or diesel car. You drive and refuel just like you normally would – the car handles the electric drive itself.
Advantages of electric hybrid
- Charges automatically – no need for a cord
- Lower consumption than a regular petrol car
- Particularly effective in heavy city driving
- Easy to switch from petrol or diesel
Disadvantages of electric hybrid
- Only drive short sections on electricity alone
- Still dependent on gasoline
- Usually saves less than a plug-in hybrid that is charged regularly
✓ Our conclusion
Electric hybrids are often the easiest and cheapest step away from gasoline and diesel.
What is a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor – just like an electric hybrid.
The difference is that the electric motor is more powerful and the battery is larger. You can charge the battery in a regular socket or a charging box.
Newer plug-in hybrids often have a range of 40–80 km on electricity in real driving. That's enough for most everyday trips. Older models have a shorter range, and in cold weather the range is reduced.
When the battery runs out, or when you drive long distances, the petrol engine takes over.
Who is a plug-in hybrid suitable for?
A plug-in hybrid is suitable for those who can charge at home or at work, but who sometimes make long journeys where you don't want to stop and charge.
During everyday life you drive on electricity. On your holiday trip you refuel as usual.
Advantages of plug-in hybrids
- Most everyday trips can be driven on electricity
- Very low cost per mile if you charge often
- No range concerns on long trips
- Can preheat the passenger compartment with electricity on a cold morning
Disadvantages of plug-in hybrids
- You need to charge often to save money
- Two powertrains to service – both engine and electrical system
- Uncharged, it draws more power than an electric hybrid, because it carries a heavy battery.
✓ Our conclusion
A plug-in hybrid is only as frugal as you let it be. Charge often!
What is an electric car?
An electric car runs only on electricity. It has no gasoline engine at all, but a large battery that you charge at home, at work or at a charging station.
The electric car almost always has the lowest operating costs. You may not get as far on a fully charged battery as you would on a full tank – but electricity is so much cheaper that the total will still be lower.
The exception is if you only charge on expensive fast chargers. Then the savings will shrink significantly.
Who is an electric car suitable for?
An electric car is suitable for those who can charge at home or at work and mostly drive everyday routes.
The range of newer models is more than enough for everyday use – and for many long trips, with a charging break along the way.
Advantages of electric cars
- Lowest operating cost of the three
- Quiet and smooth to drive
- Less maintenance – no oil changes and fewer wearing parts
- Can be preheated with electricity before you go
Disadvantages of electric cars
- The range is noticeably reduced in cold weather.
- More difficult to achieve if you can't charge at home
- Long trips require a little more planning
✓ Our conclusion
If you can charge at home, the electric car is almost always cheaper in the long run.
How to choose the right one – three questions
- Can you charge at home or at work?
No: choose electric hybrid. Yes: go to question 2. - Do you often drive long distances without being able to stop and charge?
Yes: choose a plug-in hybrid. No: choose an electric car. - Do you mostly drive short distances?
Then the electric car is almost always the cheapest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid?
A hybrid (electric hybrid) charges its small battery while driving. A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery that you charge with a cord, and can therefore drive several miles on electricity alone.
What is a mild hybrid?
A mild hybrid has a small electric motor that helps the petrol or diesel engine, but it cannot drive the car on its own. It saves some fuel but is not a full hybrid.
Do you have to charge a plug-in hybrid?
No, the car can be driven on petrol even if the battery is empty. But then you lose most of the savings, and the car uses more fuel than a regular electric hybrid because it carries a heavy battery.
Can I have an electric car if I live in an apartment?
Yes, if you can charge at work, at a charging point near your home, or regularly at a public charger nearby. If you lack all of these options, an electric hybrid is often an easier choice.
How does cold affect range?
In cold weather, more energy is used to heat the battery and interior, so the electric range is shorter. This applies to both electric cars and plug-in hybrids. Preheat the car while it is charging, and you will take the heat from the electrical network instead of the battery.
Is hybrid good in cold weather?
Yes. An electric hybrid basically works like a regular gasoline car in the cold, with slightly higher consumption in the first few kilometers.
Do I need a charging box?
For an electric car, we recommend a charging box. It charges faster and safer than a regular electrical outlet. A plug-in hybrid with a smaller battery can often be charged from a regular outlet overnight, but it's a good idea to have an electrician check the outlet first.
Which is the cheapest to own?
It depends on how far you drive and where you can charge. We've calculated that in Cheapest car to own in 2026.
Popular models to check out
Popular electric hybrids are the MG3 Hybrid+, Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
Popular plug-in hybrids are the Volvo XC60 Recharge, Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Volkswagen Passat GTE.
Popular electric cars are the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia EV6.
Do you know which one suits you? See all our used electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars here.
Related articles
Which car should I buy? 7 questions to help you choose the right one
6 Oct 2026 5 min
Bästa vinterdäcken 2026: våra 5 favoriter!
16 Oct 2026 · 8 min
Hitta rätt drivlina
See used cars
