Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Electric Driving For Everyday. Gas When You Need It.

If you’re interested in electrified driving but don’t want to rely entirely on charging, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offers a flexible way to reduce fuel use without changing how you drive.

Offering The Best of Both Worlds With Lexus Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

A Lexus plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has two power sources: an electric motor and a gas engine, which work together to deliver smooth performance in a wide range of driving conditions.
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Go Farther on Electric Power

Drive longer on electric-only power than you can in a conventional hybrid to help cut fuel use and emissions on shorter drives.
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Charge at Home for Everyday Convenience

Plug in at home to start the day with an electric range ready to go, with no special routine required.
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Get Instant Response When You Accelerate

Enjoy immediate torque from the electric motor for quick, smooth acceleration in city traffic and on the highway.
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Take Longer Trips Without Planning Around Charging

When your battery is low, the gas engine can take over, so you can refuel when you need to travel farther.
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Maximize Efficiency in Stop-and-Go Driving

Regenerative braking helps capture energy as you slow down, helping improve efficiency in everyday driving.
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Feel Confident About Hybrid Components

Benefit from warranty coverage for key hybrid components, designed to support long-term plug-in hybrid ownership.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles For Sale At Lexus of Calgary

NX 450h+

Starting at $63,995*
Details:

– Plug-in Hybrid Electric
– Standard All-Wheel Drive
– Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

Build And Price

RX 450h+

Starting at $82,500*
Details:

– Plug-in Hybrid Electric
– Standard All-Wheel Drive
– Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

Build And Price

Charging Your Lexus Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Charging a Lexus plug-in hybrid is straightforward. Plug in at home to replenish your electric driving range, and count on the gas engine when you’re going farther. Depending on the charger level used, charging times vary.
wall-mounted EV charger with a coiled cord and outdoor patio furniture in the background.

Level 1 Charging

120-volt outlet

At-home charging
Charge using a standard household three-prong outlet. Ideal for overnight charging or topping up the electric range during low daily driving.
A wall-mounted Level 2 EV charger with a plug-in cord;

Level 2 Charging

240-volt outlet

At-home and public charging
Charge faster using a 240-volt outlet. Ideal for home charging once installed by a licensed electrician, and also available at many public charging locations.
A wall-mounted EV charger

Level 3 Charging

480-volt DC fast charging

Public charging
Charge the fastest at select public charging stations. Ideal for longer trips or quick top-ups when you need to get back on the road sooner.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle vs. Plug-in Hybrid

The key difference between a hybrid electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid is that while both improve fuel efficiency, a plug-in hybrid can be plugged in to recharge its battery, letting you drive on electricity more often.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

  • No plug-in charging
  • Smaller battery, and the EV drive is limited and mainly assists the gas engine
  • Battery charges through regenerative braking and the gas engine

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

  • Can be plugged in to charge
  • A larger battery enables more electric-only driving before using gas
  • Still has a gas engine for longer trips after the electric range

Plug-in Hybrid vs. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

The key difference between a plug-in hybrid and a battery electric vehicle is that a plug-in hybrid can keep driving on gas when charging is not convenient.

Plug-in Hybrid

  • Drive on electricity for many everyday trips
  • Recharge at home and rely on gas when needed
  • Less day-to-day planning around charging

Battery Electric Vehicle

  • Runs entirely on electricity
  • Requires regular access to charging
  • Best suited for drivers ready to commit fully to electric

Battery Electric Vehicles vs. Gas-Powered Vehicles

The key difference between a battery electric vehicle and a gas-powered vehicle is that a BEV runs entirely on electricity and uses no gasoline, while a gas-powered vehicle runs on gasoline.

Battery Electric Vehicles

  • Runs on electricity only, with no gasoline
  • Charge at home, work, or public stations
  • Fewer routine maintenance items, with no oil changes

Gas-Powered Vehicles

  • Runs on gasoline only
  • Refuel in minutes at widespread gas stations
  • More routine engine maintenance

Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid vs. Battery-Electric Vehicles

Feature Hybrid Plug-In Hybrid Battery Electric
Power Source Uses gasoline + electric assist Uses gasoline + electric drive Uses electric drive only
Charging Required  Does not plug in; battery self-charges while driving Can plug in; recommended to maximize electric driving Must plug in
How To Refuel or Recharge Fill with gasoline Charge + fill with gasoline  Charge only
Electric-Only Driving Capability Limited Yes, electric-only driving for many daily trips Yes, always electric-only driving
Best For Drivers who want better fuel efficiency without changing how they refuel Drivers who can plug in for many daily trips, with gasoline backup for longer drives Drivers who can charge regularly and want an all-electric daily drive
Fuel & Emissions Impact Lower fuel use and tailpipe emissions vs gas-only Much lower fuel use and tailpipe emissions when charged regularly Zero tailpipe emissions while driving
Long-Trip Readiness Gas stations, no charging planning Gas stations, charging optional Charging stops, some trip planning required
Ideal Lexus Models RXh, NXh, ESh, UXh, TXh, LXh RX 450h+, NX 450h+ RZ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle work?

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines a gas engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. It can be plugged in to charge and drive on electric power alone for shorter trips. When the electric range is used, or more power is needed, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid operation, using both gasoline and electric power to keep you moving efficiently.

How far can I travel on electric power alone?

Lexus plug-in hybrid models can travel up to about 60 km on electric power alone, depending on driving conditions. Once the electric range is used, the vehicle automatically operates as a conventional hybrid, combining electric power and gasoline for continued driving.

How fast can I drive using electric power only?

In EV mode, Lexus plug-in hybrids can be driven at highway speeds using electric power alone when conditions allow, up to about 135 km/h. For stronger acceleration or higher power demands, the gas engine engages automatically.

Can I drive a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle without gas?

No. While many trips can be completed using electric power alone, gasoline is still required for proper operation.

Does cold weather affect the battery?

Yes. Cold temperatures can reduce electric range and may increase charging time in Lexus plug-in hybrid vehicles, as more energy can be used to warm the battery and cabin. However, Lexus plug-in hybrids are engineered with cold-weather performance in mind and use battery temperature management systems to support more consistent winter driving.

Experience Luxury in Motion With a Test Drive at Lexus of Calgary

Get behind the wheel of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Fill out the form below to book a test drive at Lexus of Calgary.