Electric Driving For Everyday. Gas When You Need It.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles For Sale At Lexus of Calgary
Charging Your Lexus Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Level 1 Charging
120-volt outlet
At-home chargingCharge using a standard household three-prong outlet. Ideal for overnight charging or topping up the electric range during low daily driving.
Level 2 Charging
240-volt outlet
At-home and public chargingCharge faster using a 240-volt outlet. Ideal for home charging once installed by a licensed electrician, and also available at many public charging locations.
Level 3 Charging
480-volt DC fast charging
Public chargingCharge 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.