There are several ways in which a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) can boost efficiency in a gasoline powered vehicle. HEVs generally employ a small battery pack to provide electricity to an electric motor that assists the gasoline engine in delivering performance. That electric motor also functions as a generator to recapture energy and store it in the battery.
PHEV is an acronym for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. These vehicles have larger battery packs that can store enough energy to operate the vehicle on electric power alone for distances that are typically between 20 to 45 miles. They can be plugged into household current to recharge. For driving longer distances, the gasoline engine is the main source of power. Check out our full list of Toyota RAV4 alternatives and competitors here.