Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Kia Models

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular choices for reasons that range from environmental to financial. Kia is a brand known for its commitment to innovation, and it offers a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. For those eager to explore everything Kia has to offer, all you have to do is stop by your local Kia dealer. Easton, PA, is a perfect area for drivers who want to branch out into alternative powertrains, and we here at Allentown Kia can help you find the best option for your lifestyle.

Before you can discover which option is right for you, you need to understand the difference between hybrids and plug-in hybrids and what the pros and cons are of each. Whether you are looking for a comfortable and efficient vehicle that will get you to the Easton Public Market in comfort, or you want to get away in a hybrid to explore the Poconos, there is a Kia for every adventure.

Hybrids vs Plug-In Hybrids

HEVs—or Hybrid Electric Vehicles—have been around for a much longer time than most people realize. The first hybrid was actually invented in 1901, more than 120 years ago. Obviously, hybrids have changed quite a bit since then, but the concept is still the same. The way hybrids work today is they utilize a gas-powered engine and an electric motor. The motor is powered by a battery which gains charge through regenerative braking—salvaging expended kinetic energy.

PHEVs—or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles—are also hybrids, but they do not share all of the same attributes traditional hybrids have. Plug-ins can be charged via regenerative braking (just like HEVs), but they can also gain charge externally through a household electrical outlet or a special charging station. PHEVs often have larger batteries to accommodate holding a greater charge outright, and the electric aspect of plug-in hybrids tends to be more dominant than in HEVs.

It is clear that hybrids and plug-in hybrids are different, but what exactly do those differences mean for you? Understanding how these differences fit into your life and how they meet your individual needs will make it easy to make the right decision. From price point to electric range, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are in a league of their own.

How Far You’ll Go

One of the greatest differences between traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids is the extent to which the electric motor and battery pack work. One of Kia’s hybrid models—the Niro Hybrid—may utilize both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to perform, but in a hybrid such as this, the electric motor can not propel the vehicle on its own. In the Niro Hybrid, the electric motor acts as a backup, simply improving fuel efficiency and performance.

Compared to the Niro Hybrid, the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid can go for approximately 34 miles on electric power alone. The electric motor might act as a backup in the plug-in, but it can also go solo when the need arises. Plug-ins manage great solo electric drive time thanks to a larger battery that can hold more charge. For faster charging, you don’t have to depend on regenerative braking; instead, you can plug it into an outlet at home or a special charging station to give it the jolt it needs.

If driving on electric power alone sounds like a deal maker, then the plug-in hybrid is for you. Thankfully, the world around us is adapting well to such changes in how we drive. Special lanes on the highways, unique rebates, and accessible public charging stations prove that the future will be electric. Places like Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center—a fantastic getaway right here in Pennsylvania—had installed charging stations several years back so that those who drive PHEVs and EVs have the refueling options they need.

Efficiently Efficient

Obviously, both hybrids and plug-in hybrids offer improved fuel efficiency over traditional gas-powered models. This is thanks to the support of the electric motor and battery, which provide greater range from a single tank of gas. A plug-in hybrid offers drastically more impressive fuel economy than a traditional hybrid because of the all-electric range potential.

Consider the Kia Sportage, which is available as both a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid model. The hybrid is estimated to get between 38 and 43 MPG combined, depending if it is all- or front-wheel drive. The plug-in version of the Sportage only gets 35 MPG combined, but once you add in the all-electric drive range, you get closer to 84 MPGe combined. This is an important difference to consider when trying to decide which option is right for you.

If you intend on recharging every night, then you’ll get the most out of the plug-in option, saving money and getting impressive fuel efficiency. However, since the plug-in functions the same as a traditional hybrid after the all-electric range (34 miles in the Sportage) has ended, you will be getting less per gallon than if you choose a traditional hybrid. How you intend to drive your hybrid will make a difference.

Talkin’ About Money

One of the biggest considerations for anyone considering a hybrid or plug-in hybrid will most likely be cost. Upfront costs, long-term costs, and even incentives all add up, providing convincing arguments one way or another. Understanding the financial implications of each should give you some direction on which one to choose.

Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes. From trucks to sedans and SUVs, most manufacturers have hybrids across their lineup, so you can get improved efficiency in any style; because hybrids are so readily available, you are likely to find them in a traditional ICE vehicle, as well, so it makes for easy comparisons. For instance, the Kia Sorento is available as an ICE model and as a hybrid, with the hybrid tacking on about $7k extra upfront. Now, that might seem like a good chunk, but you are likely going to save that and then some over the time you own the vehicle.

Savings come in more than one form with hybrids. Since you stretch your miles longer, you don’t have to stop off at the gas pump as frequently, which is a win-win for everybody. Imagine stopping by the Crayola Factory for a colorful adventure and then driving off to explore one of the many hiking trails and not having to worry about stopping for gas at any point!

The Sorento is also available in a plug-in version, which adds about $20k to the upfront cost. For some, that is a bit too much to shell out right away, even if the costs even out over time. Depending on how often you charge up, you could make that back over the time you own the vehicle, but you do have to consider that you’ll also have extra costs associated with charging. Unlike the traditional hybrid, the plug-in requires external charging, which can be done via a typical wall outlet or a public DC Fast Charging station, so it is important to figure that out prior to buying.

Another consideration is that plug-ins sometimes qualify for unique tax incentives that traditional hybrids do not. There is so much to consider when trying to decide between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. In the end, though, choosing a Kia hybrid or plug-in hybrid will benefit you in numerous ways, regardless.

Which Hybrid Is Right for You?

Deciding which option is right for you isn’t impossible; it just requires a bit of thinking. Do you want to plug in every night, or do you not mind visiting the gas station? Do you have the money right now to invest in a plug-in, or is there no question that the perks are worth it? Maybe you are concerned for the environment, and you want to make the most efficient decision for the Earth instead. Whichever it is, choosing one of the many great Kia hybrids or plug-in hybrids will move you one step closer to the electrified future.