We purchased over a dozen of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) for our auto test program at consumer reports, to study deeper and reveal many nuances of the most misunderstood vehicle. This week we share our initial impressions of some of our first interactions with plug-in hybrids and what we have discovered so far. Jake Fisher drafts a complex spreadsheet to help one of our audience members decide between a hybrid and a PHEV. We also answer if there is any correlation between the hybrid battery and the 12-volt battery in hybrid vehicles.

CR's PHEV cost calculator: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AHW1tUQIXa5NMWAKLHxKh1Xoro6tkOHpyV6cDbAu6U8/edit?usp=sharing

More info on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-a-plug-in-hybrid-vehicle-right-for-you-a9339147016/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Why (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) PHEVs?

04:28 - What are plug-in hybrids?

07:28 - Who are PHEVs for?

12:10 - Plug-ins are a version of gas powered vehicles

13:39 - Our experience with 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV)

16:52 - Driving the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV

20:08 - 2023 Mazda CX90 PHEV

21:04 - PHEVs are not for everyone

26:08 - Question #1: Which plug-in hybrid should I buy?

31:22 - Question #2: Will a 12-volt trickle charger also keep the hybrid battery topped off?

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Is a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Right for You?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/is-a-plug-in-hybrid-vehicle-right-for-you-a9339147016/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Electric Cars 101: Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions-a7130554728/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Safety Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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