Plug-inHybrid
Latest
Toyota's 2020 Prius Prime arrives with CarPlay and Alexa
When Toyota unveiled its revamped Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, we largely liked everything about it -- except for the wonky infotainment system. With the 2020 model, Toyota has corrected that shortcoming, now offering it with both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support. They'll come as a standard trim option for all Prius Primes, which start at $27,600, not including the $4,500 federal tax credit.
Jeep preps plug-in hybrid versions of its Compass and Renegade SUVs
Jeep isn't exactly synonymous with eco-friendly cars, but it's bent on changing that reputation. The 4x4 maker has unveiled plug-in hybrid versions of the 2020 Compass (below) and Renegade (above) crossover SUVs. Both meld a 1.3-liter conventional turbo engine with an electric motor to deliver both more power and, of course, a lower environmental footprint. They can pump out up to 240HP when both powerplants are engaged, hitting 62MPH in about 7 seconds, but they can also drive for up to 31 miles solely on electric power. You could commute emissions-free in the city while still having plenty of range and raw grunt for your off-road excursions.
Mitsubishi shows off the future of its plug-in hybrid SUV line
Mitsubishi just unveiled the burly Engelberg Tourer concept with a plug-in electric hybrid drivetrain. It boasts an all-electric range of 43 miles, making it a practical daily driver that can carry a lot of cargo, thanks to the size and very boxy shape. It's backed up by a 2.4 liter gas engine, making it practical for long trips or heading out to the ski lodge.
BMW launches a performance 7 Series PHEV
BMW has launched its 2020 7 Series sedans, and controversy about the ginormous grill aside, they're some of the company's highest-tech models yet. The 745e xDrive has a plug-in hybrid 389 HP inline six-cylinder with a 12.0 kWh battery that should allow for some grocery-getting purely on electrons (BMW hasn't released range figures yet). That combo will accelerate you to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, but if that's not fast enough, there's also a 523 HP V8 on the 750i xDrive or a 600-horsepower twin-turbo V12 on the 760i.
Mercedes pulls its plug-in hybrids to prepare for new models
We hope you weren't dead set on buying one of Mercedes' existing plug-in hybrids, as they won't be long for this world. Autocar has learned that Mercedes has stopped producing PHEV versions of the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class and GLE. This doesn't mean that the automaker is dropping plug-ins entirely, as you might have guessed. Rather, it's replacing the whole lot with "third-generation" hybrids that will sell under the company's electric-focused EQ branding.
Volvo borrows cachet and power from its Polestar EV brand
The $155,000 Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid with 600 horsepower and a 100-mile driving range isn't coming to market until next year, but its parent Volvo is giving us a taste ahead of that. It just unveiled the "Polestar Engineered" flavor of its upcoming S60 hybrid sports sedan, and will also offer the option on its V60 estate and XC60 SUV vehicles in 2019.
BMW's wireless car charging pad arrives this summer
The notion of wirelessly charging your car is no longer a distant prospect... if you have the right ride. Car has heard that BMW will start producing an inductive charging pad for the 530e plug-in hybrid in July, with a release by the end of the summer. Autoblog has confirmed that the pad will be available in the US in addition to the expected European release. It's not certain how much the pad will cost, but one thing's for sure: you can't just walk into the dealership and buy one.
Subaru's first PHEV is the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid
You're probably more likely to associate Subaru with high-powered rally cars than any kind of eco-friendly transportation, but the automaker is determined to change that perception: it just unveiled plans for its first-ever plug-in hybrid. The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid (not yet pictured) will combine Subaru's familiar four-cylinder boxer engine and all-wheel drive with a hybrid system from long-time collaborator Toyota to bring efficiency to its familiar crossover SUV. While details of its performance are mostly under wraps, Subaru is promising a pure electric mode for those times when you're more likely to be commuting around town than off-roading (which, let's face it, is most of the time).
Bentley's first plug-in hybrid is an ultra-luxurious SUV
Bentley has been promising a hybrid version of its Bentayga SUV for over 3 years, and it's finally here... although you might not want to pat yourself on the back if you buy one. The simply-titled Bentayga Hybrid delivers the same ultra-luxurious design of the regular model, but replaces the usual powerplant with a 3.0L V6 and an electric motor. However, that motor will only get you about 31 miles of pure electric driving -- fine if you're a footballer driving to the local nightclub, but not very useful for visiting family. It's meant more to offset the lousy fuel economy from the V6, which musters just 12MPG in the city and 19MPG on the highway.
Ford’s latest police hybrid is built for efficiency, not speed
Ford has already got the "speed" part down for hybrid police cars with its Police Responder Hybrid pursuit car, but now it's focusing on the economy side. It just launched its first-ever plug-in hybrid aimed at police and government officials for "non-pursuit" duties, called the Special Service Plug-In Hybrid Sedan. "This is the first Ford police vehicle that can potentially get through an entire shift without using any gasoline whatsoever," said Ford brand manager Stephen Tyler.
Volvo's performance brand launches a 600HP plug-in hybrid
When Volvo declared that its Polestar performance brand would revolve around electric powertrains, it wasn't kidding. Polestar has unveiled its first car, appropriately named the Polestar 1, and it's a plug-in hybrid coupe that musters 600HP while managing a surprisingly large 93 miles of electric-only driving. This is an EV that just happens to have a gas engine under the hood, according to Volvo, and the odds are that you might never use fossil fuels during your daily commute. It also promises to be nimble thanks to a continuously adjusted electronic suspension and an electric rear axle to maximize grip. The 1 sounds like it could be a relatively guilt-free way to drive, then. However, it's almost more important for what it isn't.
BMW's updated EV plans include a 3-door Mini
BMW's plans to electrify the Mini go well beyond an early experiment and a plug-in hybrid. The Bavarian brand has unveiled the next steps of its EV strategy, and the highlight is an all-electric version of the 3-door Mini due in 2019. In theory, you won't have to splurge to avoid a gas-guzzler. The automaker is saying precious little about what the Mini EV will entail, but it'll be built in Britain (of course) using a German powerplant. Want something bigger? Don't worry -- it's just the tip of the spear.
Prototype Genesis SUV melds hydrogen and plug-in power
It hasn't even been two years since Hyundai spun out its Genesis luxury badge as a separate division, but the new group is already making a name for itself. Genesis has unveiled its first experimental SUV, the GV80 Concept, and the prototype clearly pushes a few boundaries. For one, it's a plug-in fuel cell hybrid. The company isn't talking performance figures at this point, but the combination of electric and hydrogen power promises zero-emissions driving while still delivering a healthy range.
Hybrid cars can save fuel through nature-like algorithms
Plug-in hybrid cars aren't as efficient as they could be. While starting in a pure electric mode is good for relatively short trips, it actually hurts your fuel economy if you have to switch to the gas engine. Science may have a solution, though, and it's taking its cue from nature. University of California, Riverside researchers have developed evolutionary algorithms that learn to combine electric and gas power for maximum fuel economy. The approach mimics natural energy-saving processes to invoke the electric motor throughout the trip, and adapts based on your driving conditions -- it should help whether you're stuck in downtown traffic or cruising effortlessly on the highway.
Toyota's Prius Prime plug-in hybrid starts at $27,100
Toyota's latest take on a plug-in hybrid, the 2017 Prius Prime, may be more of a bargain than its name would suggest. The automaker has revealed that US pricing for the Prime will start at $27,100. That's more than the regular Prius (which begins at $24,685), but it also qualifies for up to $4,500 in federal tax credit -- play your cards right and you could pay less for a vehicle that could also cost you less to run. And did we mention that Toyota has boosted the mileage estimates? You now get 25 miles of pure electric driving instead of the originally promised 22, and the equivalent fuel economy has gone up from 120MPGe to 124.
Toyota's Prius Prime plug-in hybrid touts 120MPGe
Toyota's Prius line has lost some of its luster in recent years. While it's still synonymous with hybrid cars, its plug-in hybrid model is facing stiff competition that has an edge in terms of pure electric range. The auto giant isn't standing still, though: it's unveiling the Prius Prime as an answer to these pretenders to the throne. The PHEV's electric-only range has only been doubled to a still-modest 22 miles, but it makes up for this with an equivalent efficiency of 120MPGe. If the figure holds up, it makes the Prime the most fuel-efficient plug-in on the market. Toyota chalks it up to the combination of an upgraded hybrid system and a larger battery.
The Chevy Volt is a fun hybrid that tiptoes into the future
I have to drive 40 miles and the 2016 Chevy Volt says I only have about 23 miles of charge left in the battery. No biggie: I have three quarters of a tank of gas. I hit the accelerator and the car's two electric motors push me onto the highway. Plug-in hybrids like the Volt are nothing new. But what makes this stand out from other EV/petroleum vehicles is that it doesn't look different from the rest of the cars on the road.
VW's latest plug-in hybrid is built for off-roading
Most plug-in hybrid vehicles are better-suited to the streets than mud and rocks, but Volkswagen thinks it can make an exception. Its just-unveiled Tiguan GTE Active Concept mates a 148HP gas engine with two electric motors to provide an environmentally responsible off-roader. It can drive 20 miles solely on electric power, even in rough conditions, but has that conventional engine to provide extra grunt and range (580 miles total) for long expeditions.
Audi's A3 e-tron starts at $37,900 in the US, rolls out in October
If you live in the States and have been itchin' to get behind the wheel of Audi's new plug-in hybrid, you'll soon be in luck. The A3 e-tron "Sportback" (read: hatchback) will arrive at dealers in the US in October, with prices starting at $37,900 before any incentives or tax credits. It's the auto maker's first plug-in model to be sold Stateside and carries a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor for 204 horsepower. Unfortunately, the EPA's fuel economy stats haven't been announced, but you can expect around eight hours of charging time via a standard 120-volt outlet. You can reduce the wait to just over two hours if you're willing to to splurge for a Bosch 240-volt charger. Looking for more add-ons than the base model offers? The Plus model throws in LED headlamps, heated seats and plays nice with your iOS device for $42,000. There's also a Prestige option that starts out at $46,800 with features like an MMI infotainment system, Bang & Olufsen audio and active lane assistance can take the total up near $50,000. [Image credit: Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images]
Chevy still has 6,000 unsold last-gen Volt hybrids
The 2016 Chevy Volt promises to be a much better hybrid than its predecessor, with a lower price and better performance... and unfortunately for GM, that improvement might be hurting sales of the outgoing model. The Detroit Free Press reports that there were roughly 6,000 unsold 2015 Volts as of April, or more than twice the 2,779 that sold in the first four months of the year. Sales are down 46 percent versus the same period a year ago, and dealers appear willing to make some serious concessions to clinch a deal. While the 2015 Volt officially carries a $34,345 sticker price before tax credits, the TrueCar price guide shows that buyers are typically paying $30,607 -- quite the discount if you're looking for an extra-efficient ride.
