The bigger battery in most PHEVs has the added bonus of giving you a greater electric-only range than most conventional hybrid cars. Is a PHEV right for you? Read on for this handy guide… How does a plug-in hybrid car work?Ī PHEV is similar to a conventional ‘self-charging’ hybrid car, but instead of a small battery that’s charged by the car’s petrol or diesel engine, it has a larger battery that you can plug into a dedicated electric-car charger. They offer the zero-emission benefits of electric cars on shorter journeys, but with the convenience and quick refuelling of a petrol or diesel engine for longer journeys. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a great option for someone who wants a piece of the electric car action but isn’t quite ready to commit to buying a pure EV