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Why We Want to Plug In

We knew 17 years ago that plug-in hybrids could provide most of the environmental and fossil fuel-savings
benefits long promised by battery electric vehicles.

Most Recent

EVs are Not the Answer. They are a Choice.

The development of modern EVs has been accelerating for decades. They are important to our future but not to the exclusion of other fuels and technologies.

Why You Should Buy a Plug-in Hybrid

The desire to go electric is strong for a lot of drivers, but so is an overriding sense of caution. The obvious answer is to consider a plug-in hybrid.

Dodge Charger Daytona is a Thrill Ride

The Dodge Charger Daytona emerges as a performance EV, reminding us that the road to electrification can be paved with unexpected visceral thrills.

The Game Changing Toyota Prius Prime

Electric by nature yet hybrid by design, the new Toyota Prius Prime is the electrified answer many drivers are seeking. Our long-term test aims to bear this out.

Inside Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive

Toyota debuted its groundbreaking Toyota Hybrid System 27 years ago, ultimately evolving in 2004 as the automaker’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. Here’s how it works.

Ron Cogan behind the wheel

EVs are Not the Answer. They are a Choice.

The development of modern EVs has been accelerating for decades. They are important to our future but not to the exclusion of other fuels and technologies.

Don't Miss

Electric Pickup Disconnect

Electric pickups are coming…but are we ready for them? A new generation of high-tech trucks promises to deliver all the functionality expected of modern pickups along with highly efficient and zero-emission electric drive. The challenge: Where to charge them all.

Outlander PHEV Test Update

Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV is a hidden gem in a sea of crossovers and SUVs. It offers advanced features and capabilities found on plug-in hybrid competitors costing tens of thousands of dollars more, while offering a fun and family-friendly SUV experience.

All-Electric MINI Cooper SE

MINI has been easing into electrification for some time now. It’s been years since the MINI E electric vehicle plied the roads as a lease-only, limited test fleet in L.A. and New York. Now the MINI Cooper SE is here.

Karma Revero GT Impresses

The Karma Revero GT, 2020 Luxury Green Car of the Year, represents the evolution of the Revero series hybrid. Karma Automotive devoted significant resources in reworking every part of this grand touring sedan, with enormous success.

Porsche's Electric Taycan

Porsche fans have waited patiently for this storied marque to rise to the Tesla challenge. That’s no easy thing, and it had to be done right or risk both reputation and future market share. The result is as expected. Spectacular!

Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

SUV and crossover buyers are a pretty diverse bunch, especially these days as those accustomed to sedans are increasingly making their way to these more functional vehicles. Now, upscale buyers have a great new choice in the Lincoln Aviator PHEV.

Toyota Corolla: Shiny and New, Hybrid Too!

You might not expect an entry-level sedan to offer surprising style, extremely high fuel efficiency, and an unexpected level of advanced electronics and driver assist systems. Yet, that’s what the new-generation Toyota Corolla brings to car buyers on a budget.

BMW Updates 745e xDrive Plug-In

Looking for luxury, performance, and sufficient battery electric range for short commutes or around-town driving? The BMW 745e xDrive iPerformance may pique your interest. This plug-in hybrid gets an updated look for 2020 along with a more powerful hybrid drivetrain.

Inductively Charging the BMW 530e

Contactless inductive charging via a paddle and chargeport was championed by GM’s EV1 in the 1990s. Now BMW is giving inductive charging a modern twist with its wireless charging system that simply requires parking over a ChargePad on the ground.

Hyundai’s CVVD Tech

The internal combustion engine keeps improving and getting ever-more efficient. That’s an imperative as conventionally powered vehicles compete with a new generation of electrics. Hyundai’s continuously variable valve duration technology is the latest twist for creating more efficient combustion engines.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata has long offered a nice balance of style and value. With the all-new 2020 edition, the Sonata steps up its game with an appealing design, a satisfying driving experience, and welcome efficiency. A hybrid joins the lineup soon.

Ford's Modular Hybrid Transmission

Lots of new technologies are being used by automakers to enhance the power and efficiency of their hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Innovations abound, like the compact and lightweight modular hybrid transmission now being used in Ford and Lincoln SUVs.

Nissan Versa Delivers

Who says you can’t get appealing style and desired functionality in a budget-minded sedan? The third-generation Nissan Versa says you can.

Mazda3: Smart Looks, Two Choices

Sleek and stylish, the redesigned Mazda3 is fun to drive and smarter than ever, with a host of advanced driver assist systems that are now standard. Plus, two distinct body styles provide an additional choice for fans of the marque.

Toyota’s New Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid has long been a family favorite. Now it’s even better with a new, very stylish design based on an all-new platform with more tech than before, and an updated hybrid drivetrain now offering front- or all-wheel drive.

Jeep Gladiator Rocks!

Jeep fans waited a long time for a rugged new pickup from this storied, adventured-focused brand. They got it in the Jeep Gladiator, a crew cab truck based on the Wrangler that’s equally at home on pavement or off-road trails.

Hyundai’s Affordable Venue

Venue features a Driver Attention Warning system that monitors if a driver is fatigued or exhibits careless driving. Perhaps such a system would be appropriate for Teslas that are increasingly seen on Autopilot with a driver asleep at the wheel?

The Future of Plug-In SUVs

What’s in the pipeline for plug-in SUVs? Plenty. It’s no secret that buyers are embracing crossovers and SUVs in ever-greater numbers. They’re functional, fun, and a favorite of families and sports enthusiasts alike. Increasingly, more will be offering a plug.