Drivers across Albuquerque are opting to trade in their gas-powered vehicles for hybrid models—and it’s not hard to see why when you consider the many benefits of going green! The Toyota hybrid lineup includes everything from sedans like the Corolla Hybrid to the Highlander Hybrid SUV, so it’s easy to find the size and type of vehicle you need in a hybrid configuration.
With so many drivers going electric for the first time, it’s no surprise that many have questions about how to charge a hybrid car. Hybrids work differently under the hood, but the good news is that you won’t have to change much about your daily driving habits in Rio Rancho! In fact, charging a hybrid car battery at all is only necessary if you have a plug-in hybrid. Get the details you need about how to charge a hybrid car battery in this guide from Toyota of Santa Fe.
Charging a Hybrid Car Battery: Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid
- Standard Hybrid: Learning how to charge a hybrid is only necessary if you buy a plug-in hybrid because the battery in a standard hybrid is self-charging. This type of hybrid combines at least one electric motor with a gasoline engine. In other words, you can drive a standard hybrid around Espanola just like you’ve always done with your gas-powered vehicle.
- Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): This newer type of hybrid vehicle uses both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The difference is that the electric motor is larger than in a standard hybrid—large enough that the car can actually run on electric power alone for short periods. However, you’ll need to charge the vehicle via a home charging station, a public charging station in Los Alamos, or even a 120-volt outlet. Learning how to charge a hybrid car battery when you buy a plug-in hybrid is a great first step if you’re thinking about transitioning to a fully-electric vehicle at some point in the future!
Charging a Hybrid Car Battery: Three Methods
There are three ways of charging a hybrid car battery: Level 1 portable charging, Level 2 home fast charging, and Level 3 public charging. Here’s how combining these three charging methods makes it easy to own a hybrid or EV in Santa Fe:
- Portable charging: PHEVs come equipped as standard with a portable charging cord that is compatible with any household-style 120-volt outlet. These charge at a slow rate, but they’re great for keeping in the glove box as a backup.
- Home fast charging: Many PHEV owners opt to install a 240-volt fast charging station in the garage for easy top-offs or convenient overnight charging. This will cost extra, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of fueling up while you sleep!
- Public charging: You can find public charging stations at gas stations, grocery stores, parking garages, and other places around Santa Fe.
Shop Toyota Hybrid & PHEV Vehicles at Toyota of Santa Fe!
If charging a hybrid battery sounds better than emptying your wallet at the gas station, start exploring the new Toyota Hybrid lineup today! If you’d like to know how much a hybrid will cost each month, learn more about your lease and finance options with our car loan calculator.
