How to Charge a Hybrid Car Battery

Wondering about how to charge a hybrid car? Charging a hybrid car battery can vary in method depending on what type of hybrid you’re driving. After all, there are traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and full-electric vehicles. Take a moment to learn about how to charge a hybrid car battery for each type of hybrid. Then, fill out a pre-approval and contact a Five Star Automotive dealership near you to schedule a test drive.

Charging a Hybrid Car Battery: Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric

If you’re wondering about how to charge a hybrid car battery, take a moment to review how the instructions for charging a hybrid car battery vary between a standard hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicle. The steps for each are as follows:

• Standard Hybrids: These hybrids are powered by a gas engine that’s assisted by an electric motor is offset the burden of combustion and dramatically increases fuel economy. You won’t need to spend time charging this type of hybrid, as the alternator will charge the battery for you while you drive!
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Otherwise known as a PHEV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles feature a traditional hybrid mode, in which the battery self charges, as well as a dedicated electric mode you can switch to. In the fully electric mode drive mode, you’ll need to use an electric charging station to replenish your all-electric range.
• Electric Vehicle: EVs rely entirely on electricity for propulsion, which means you will need to regularly charge your vehicle’s battery at a charging station.

How to Charge a Plug-In Hybrid Car Battery: Three Methods

Now that you know about the charging requirements for the different types of hybrids, let’s take a look at the different charging methods available to you:

• Portable charging: Your PHEV or EV will come standard with a 120-volt domestic charger. You simply plug one end into your vehicle’s charging port, and the other into any three-pronged outlet in your garage. While they’re refreshingly simple, they’re very slow and will take a day or more to charge your car. We recommend using them to top off your battery or build a background charge while you sleep, with the expectation that most of your charging will happen at a public charging station.
• Home fast charging: This domestic charging system can charge your vehicle up in 4 to 8 hours, but you’ll need to hire an electrician to install a 240-volt outlet in your garage and wire it to a compatible power panel. Most dealerships can connect you with an installer if you’re interested.
• Public charging: These charging stations are either 240-volt or feature direct current (DC) charging. 240-volt stations are great for topping off on the go, but less than perfect for charging your battery up all the way, whereas DC chargers can get the job done in between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on what type of vehicle you drive!

Have More Questions About Charging a Hybrid Car Battery?

If you have more questions about how to charge a hybrid car, then reach out to your nearest Five Star Automotive dealership. We have locations in Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, so we’re likely close by. And while you’re here, check out the exclusive lifetime warranty that accompanies all new vehicle purchases at our dealerships!