The automotive industry is currently in the middle of the Age of Electrification. Most automakers are exploring the possibilities of electric and hybrid powertrains, adding EVs and hybrids to their lineup and some are entirely phasing out gas-powered options. However, within the world of electrified cars, there is a hierarchy in terms of which are most popular.
Towards the bottom of the list we find plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which are a lot less popular than other types of hybrid vehicles. Last year, PHEVs made up less than 5% of new car sales in the US.
The reasons why PHEVs haven’t quite taken off as much as other hybrids are complex, and have to do with a mix of factors including finances, reliability, and behavioral changes. Let’s take a closer look at why consumers may be hesitant about PHEV ownership.
The Disadvantages Of Plug-In Hybrids
PHEVs have several characteristics that make them different from other types of hybrid. Although they still have a gas engine, in terms of day-to-day operation, they are the closest to a full-blown electric vehicle, since they have a charging port and require plugging in to make the most of their capabilities. This can be a positive in some ways, but it can also put off hesitant buyers. Here are some of the biggest disadvantages that contribute to PHEV’s poor popularity.
Usually More Expensive: due to the increased complexity of their powertrain, PHEVs typically come with a higher price tag than other hybrids. Due to their high efficiency, this is frequently offset by lower fuel costs in the long term, but the higher upfront expense is still enough to put off many prospective buyers.
The Charging Aspect: unlike other types of hybrid, PHEVs require a change in behavior on the part of the owner, who needs to charge the vehicle on a regular basis in order to take advantage of its higher efficiency. This requires access to charging infrastructure and a change in daily habits, something not all drivers are willing or able to do. Of course, PHEVs can still run purely on the gas engine even without being charged, but that somewhat defeats the point.
Lower Reliability: The complexity of PHEVs also means they don’t tend to do very well on the reliability front, lagging behind their hybrid siblings and even fully electric vehicles. The 2025 JD Power US Initial Quality Study ranked PHEVs below electric vehicles in terms of reliability, based on problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), a metric that determines how many problems a car is likely to experience in the first 90 days of ownership.
Another JD Power study, the 2026 US Vehicle Dependability Study, revealed PHEVs to be the most problematic type of powertrain, with a year-on-year increase of 39 PP100. Both non-PHEV hybrids and battery electric vehicles experienced a smaller increase in the number of issues, while gas-powered vehicles actually experienced a small decrease meaning their overall reliability went up.
The Pros: Which Buyers Benefit From Owning A PHEV?
Despite traditional hybrids and mild hybrids generally being preferred, plug-in hybrids still have some advantages. For some prospective buyers, a plug-in hybrid can indeed be the right choice of vehicle, depending on a few key factors. You might want to look into purchasing a PHEV if you…
…want a hybrid with a bit more power: PHEVs are, on average, more powerful than their traditional or mild hybrid siblings. If you’re interested in having a hybrid car’s efficiency, but power output is also an important factor for you, a PHEVs could potentially be a good option.
…own a home charger: Due to the nature of their powertrain, PHEVs suffer from the same charging infrastructure-related issues as full-blown electric vehicles, although of course they don’t rely entirely on charging in the same way BEVs do. Having access to a charging point in your home means you will always be able to take advantage of your PHEV’s full capabilities, instead of relying mostly on the gas engine and only charging the battery occasionally.
…want to be able to drive solely on electric power: Unlike their siblings in the hybrid family, PHEVs have the capability to drive solely on electric power for a fairly long distance. At the start of the hybrid era, the average all-electric range for a PHEV was between 15 and 30 miles, but today some vehicles are capable of driving 50 miles or more without having to reach for the gas engine.
This means a PHEV can be a great choice for those who have a short everyday commute, but still want the advantages of a gas engine for longer journeys: you can, theoretically, get by solely on electric power (provided you charge regularly) during the week, and then make the most of the gas engine’s longer range for a weekend road trip.
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This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.
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