Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): A Plug-in Hybrid uses an electric motor, gasoline engine or a combination of both depending on conditions. In battery mode a it will run on the electric motor until it is empty or a certain speed is reached, then switching to the gas engine. Most Americans drive between 15 to 25 miles per day, making a PHEV a great choice while still keeping the gas motor for longer trips. The battery can be charged by regenerative braking or by plugging it in.