Electric Car Batteries Versus PHEV Batteries: The Differences Explained

There has long been a debate between PHEV and EV designs, configurations, and battery specs. However, there are differences between each type of battery and how they work within a car, based heavily on whether a gas engine is present. Generally, you will see supercharged, high-power batteries in solely electric models, while plug-in hybrid ones may have smaller, less impressive packs. EVs and PHEVs are all the rage right now, and their batteries shouldn’t be overlooked.

Whether you prefer the idea of a gas and electric powertrain OR you want to dive fully into the world of electricity, there are details you must know before making a purchase. It’s a decision between higher capacity, emission-free driving, range, and overall performance: The EV game is rapidly changing. Can you keep up? Stay tuned as we delve into all the battery details you’ve ever needed!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including E.ON Energy, Adamas Intelligence, and other reputable sites.

EVs Versus PHEVs: It’s All About Size

When it comes to the differences between PHEV batteries and EV/BEV batteries, the first and most important one is how they are configured. In 100 percent electric models, you see an engine-free and instead motor-reliant system inside your car. This will typically be an electric battery pack (or multiple) toward the back of the car, followed by a front-end motor or motors.

In a plug-in hybrid, you see a gas tank and battery pack alongside each other, feeding into the engine/motor they correspond to. The battery pack in a PHEV is smaller than an EV but larger and stronger than a standard hybrid. That’s because it will travel on electricity only for ~30 miles. That said, there are many PHEV models that don’t skimp out on performance.

If you’re in a BEV, you see closer to 200, 300, or 400+ miles per charge, ZERO gas being used, or CO2 being emitted while you’re in motion.

The battery size and capacity in an EV are larger than a hybrid or PHEV by a long shot. You may have upwards of 300 miles of range in an electric vehicle, while a plug-in hybrid will usually see under 50 miles. The larger the battery, the more miles PER charge you can travel.

PHEVs tend to be the middle ground for electric shoppers

Because plug-in hybrid technology relies on a battery and gas engine to move, that has sparked interest among eco-conscious shoppers in recent times. The PHEV phenomenon has swept the industry by storm, and these models continue to dominate the sector. Some people want a bit of everything, and you get it with a plug-in hybrid car.

We’re also seeing some plug-in hybrid models reach far greater than 30 miles of electric range, with companies like Toyota, Range Rover, and Ford prioritizing 40-50 miles of fully electric capability. Just as EVs improve in charge time and range, the same will happen for plug-in hybrids.

PHEVs Have An Average Battery Size Of 21.8 kWh, While EVs Are Closer To 40 kWh

• The average PHEV battery size is ~22 kWh
• The average EV battery size is ~40 kWh (some make it to 100)

Considering a plug-in hybrid won’t travel far on electricity only, it’s understandable one’s battery is smaller than the average EV. As of August 2023, the average battery in a plug-in model was 21.8 kWh, a bit larger than a year before: symbolizing we’re entering an era of better PHEV range and performance.

Moving onto EVs, you see the average battery be closer to 40 kWh, but some cars now have up to a 100 kWh capacity. One of the most important factors when shopping electric or plug-in hybrid is the size of the battery. Although a small engine can sometimes still impress greatly, you need to have enough capacity in a PHEV/EV battery to travel far between charges. Larger batteries paired with two or even three motors are how many top-performing EVs are able to surpass expectations on and off the road.

Maintaining Batteries Is Different In A PHEV Versus EV

• Your battery maintenance for a plug-in hybrid and BEV/EV will be the same.
• PHEVs require engine and battery tune-ups every ~six months.

Something else to be wary of when deciding between a plug-in model versus a fully electric one is maintenance. First, you don’t have to deal with a gas engine in an EV, meaning oil changes and tune-ups fly out the window. A PHEV still requires these AND has a battery you’ll need to care for. Generally, here is what you’ll need to know when maintaining and owning each respective model:

Maintaining an electric vehicle (EV and PHEV)

1. Powertrain: EVs generally boast long warranties on their powertrains, reflecting better overall reliability. Because of how a battery-operated car is configured, you don’t need frequent check-ups or changes.
2. Brakes: Regenerative braking minimizes wear on friction components, though periodic replacement of items like rotors and brake fluid will be important.
3. Cooling: EVs implement cooling systems using coolants to regulate temperature. Infrequent flushes work to keep everything working as it should.
4. Battery Maintenance: Extending the life of EV batteries involves avoiding extreme temperatures, minimizing prolonged periods at 100 percent or 0 percent charge, steering clear of frequent fast charging, and protecting against mechanical damage.

The average EV battery lasts 100,000 to 200,000 miles or ten-plus years. Most auto manufacturers recommend having your EV battery inspected every six months. You want to follow this for your PHEV and have the appropriate engine-related maintenance done. Most gas models require maintenance every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, plus replacing consumable items such as:

• Motor oil
• Radiator coolant
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Wiper blades
• Brake pads

Nobody ever said owning a car was cheap, people!

When driving and owning a plug-in hybrid model, you still have to take care of the gas aspects plus any battery-related maintenance. If you schedule a six-month battery check-up, it may also be time for the engine to be looked into. An EV has fewer moving parts, meaning less work for owners.

PHEVs Are Basically ‘Starter EVs’ For Drivers

• PHEVs are the perfect gateway to electric driving.
• Many drivers start with a plug-in hybrid and move to a fully electric model down the line.

When all is said and done, electric vehicles use similar batteries of different sizes and capacities. In the average PHEV, you have a smaller battery pack, which sits alongside a gas-powered engine. Both work together to create a smooth, more eco-friendly driving experience, while in an EV, your only power source comes from a battery pack and motor.

Plug-in hybrid models perform better than standard hybrids, using an actual charger between driving. You can use them to go between short-distance places, like home, school, work, etc., on 100 percent electric power and switch to gas when the battery runs dry. That’s the magic of a two-in-one system beneath your car’s hood/platform.

Multiple motors and larger batteries for the WIN

It’s worth noting that many electric cars boast multiple motors and can have batteries reaching 100 kWh. Most plug-in hybrids only travel 30-ish miles on electric (although this will improve), so their batteries are much smaller. Both types of models are great for drivers this year, and we expect to see quite a few positive changes for EVs and PHEVs in the next few years and 2030. PHEVs have long been a gateway to fully electric driving, so don’t be scared to dip your toe into the water slowly rather than plunging in. Change takes time, but it’s always possible.