(
Plug-in
Hybrid
Electric
Vehicle) A PHEV is a combination of electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Like a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid is constantly charging the battery and automatically switches between gas and battery based on driving conditions. However, if there is no gas in the tank, a PHEV can go a short distance on battery only, but nowhere near the distance of a regular electric vehicle (EV). Commuters with short rides, say 5-10 miles one way, can be running on battery exclusively. See
electric vehicle types.