Unlike a traditional hybrid, which intertwines gas and electric power, PHEVs can travel a certain number of miles on pure battery power in addition to having a full gas tank for backup. That means commuting and errands could be run without ever requiring gas, and the range anxiety that can come with longer trips doesn’t apply. The battery charges through an external port, more like a full EV than a basic hybrid, in which a much smaller battery auto-recharges. While BMW and Toyota make some of the most popular PHEVs, they start at over $40,000 for the Toyota Rav 4 Prime and range to $160,000 for the swankiest Bimmer. However, there are some plug-in hybrids you can get for under $40,000. Here are our top picks. Starting prices shown.