Which statement correctly describes the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

Which statement correctly describes the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

• A. A plug-in hybrid cannot be charged from an external power source.
• B. A hybrid charges via engine and regenerative braking and generally cannot be plugged in; a plug-in hybrid can be charged from an external power source and can run on electric power alone for a distance.
• C. A plug-in hybrid charges via engine and regenerative braking and cannot be plugged in.
• D. A hybrid can run on electric power alone for a distance.

Answer: (B)

Understanding the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid comes down to charging and how far you can drive on electricity alone. A traditional hybrid keeps the battery charged mainly through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking and isn’t designed to be charged from an outside power source; it typically can’t run long on battery power by itself. A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery that you can recharge from an external power source, and it can drive a certain distance on electric power alone before the gasoline engine is needed. That combination—external charging capability plus an electric-only driving range—is what makes the statement correct.

Understanding the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid comes down to charging and how far you can drive on electricity alone. A traditional hybrid keeps the battery charged mainly through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking and isn’t designed to be charged from an outside power source; it typically can’t run long on battery power by itself. A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery that you can recharge from an external power source, and it can drive a certain distance on electric power alone before the gasoline engine is needed. That combination—external charging capability plus an electric-only driving range—is what makes the statement correct.