Understanding EVs

Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicles

You can think of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as similar to the traditional hybrid vehicle, except more emphasis is placed on the electric engine. In a PHEV, priority is given to the electric motor, with the gas engine kicking in only when the battery is depleted. You can think of the gas engine as more of a backup in a PHEV.

The battery that powers the electric engine needs recharging, so that's where the included charging cable and home charging come in. A PHEV will have both a fuel filler and charge port, so you will need to refuel gas at the pump and plug in at home or a public charger if you want to take advantage of its all-electric range capability.

The newest PHEV model from Honda is the Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid, which is a very stylish and sporty SUV. In previous years, we had the Honda Accord Sedan and Honda Clarity Sedan, but those were discontinued. It's possible that you can find a used Honda PHEV on our pre-owned lot if you are looking for one of the previous year's PHEV sedans.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric, or traditional hybrid vehicles, work similarly to conventional engines except that there is also an electric motor working alongside the internal combustion engine (ICE). The electric motor is powered by the energy stored in a battery which is charged through regenerative braking and the ICE.

The extra power from the electric motor helps reduce the amount of power needed from the gas engine, powers other electrical components, and reduces idling. All this help from the electric motor helps reduce fuel consumption without trading performance. The electric motor components are internalized and self-charging, so you don't plug it in like a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

We have two models available at Southeastern Honda if you are interested in a hybrid vehicle, the Honda CV-V Hybrid SUV and the Honda Accord Hybrid Sedan. Both are great options for families and offer plenty of space and technology features to keep you safe, entertained, and productive while saving you on gas.

Gas-Powered or Conventional Engines

Gas-Powered engines, also known as conventional engines, are the type of vehicle most people know about and drive today. Most cars currently on the road are still 100 percent gas-powered. Most likely, you are familiar with fueling at the gas pump before your vehicle runs out of gas. Gas provides the combustible material for the combustion engine, and the energy produced is converted to the drivetrain via the transmission.

There are many moving parts to transfer this energy to the mechanical energy that moves the wheels. Conventional gas engines require a lot of maintenance to keep the parts and engine running smoothly. Gas engines also produce exhaust which is made up of the waste materials left over from the combustion process. Exhaust is dangerous in confined spaces and is also a type of emission that contributes to poor air quality, pollution, and climate change.

Honda vehicles are as fuel efficient as possible. Typically, the smaller the vehicle, the more efficient it is because it doesn't need as much power to move it as a larger vehicle. The Honda Civic is the smallest sedan in the line-up and offers great fuel efficiency in an economical package. If you need a larger family SUV or even a truck to haul gear, the Honda Passport SUV and Honda Ridgeline Pickup truck are both great options.