The Difference Between Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrid Cars

The Difference Between Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrid Cars

The world of electric vehicles is growing and advancing. If you’re new to the idea of these models, the team at Honda of Toms River wishes to explain the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars. This way, you can see which will be ideal for your travels in the area.

Fully Electric Vehicles

If you have only driven combustion engine vehicles, you might be unaware as to how electric cars run. We want to go over some details on what brings these models to life. These cars don’t have a powertrain at all. Instead, they run off a battery and electric motors. For example, the 2024 Honda Prologue, a fully electric SUV, is powered by a standard single-motor FWD system and an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery to keep you moving smoothly and swiftly. Another thing to keep in mind with these models is that they are zero emissions, so you can reduce your carbon footprint! You will be able to charge up your model at home with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. The latter can also be found when you’re out exploring if you need a quick boost of energy. Exclusive to fully electric models is DC fast charging, which is a quick way to get back power if you’re in a hurry. One thing to note is that habitual use of this option can eventually dampen your battery's charge.

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

The other choice you can bring home is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, also known as a PHEV. These cars run with both a combustion engine and a battery. You’re able to use the former to drive through town and fill it up with fuel just like you would a regular gas-powered Honda. Or, you’re able to switch to electric energy if you’re low on fuel. The first two levels of charging are available with PHEVs, but you do not have the option to use DC fast charging. Since there is a powertrain under the hoods of these models, you will need to get gas at the pumps like you normally would. Choosing a plug-in hybrid is beneficial for drivers who wish to have a combination of electricity and gas to drive with. 

Which Is Better for You?

There is no clear-cut winner between fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Both are worthwhile choices for different drivers in New York. If you are looking to avoid stopping at the gas station entirely and are ready to reduce your carbon emissions, then an electric vehicle is ideal! The Prologue is available to test drive at our location, so you can see this rugged model and its efficiency for yourself. If you aren’t ready to go fully electric, then a PHEV is a great way to ease into this category of vehicles. This way, you can have the familiarity of a combustion engine under the hood. If you have questions about the differences between these options, or if you wish to take the Prologue for a spin, give us a call!

 

Learn More About the 2024 Honda Prologue Below:

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Testimonials

Rondell Lewis

BAYSHORE593
12-3-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Honda of Tom’s River New Jersey was an excellent car buying experience. The staff there are friendly and the car that I was interested in was on the lot. The sales person was professional and helpful he explained all the details of the car and personally took us on a test drive to show us some of technical attributes of the car. We then took the car for a test drive. Agreed on a price and easily went through the financing department to finish the deal. While we were working through finance the salesman also helped us navigate entering the new apps on our phone and contacting the insurance company so that we could drive home that day in our new wheels. Overall, a great experience I appreciate the staff and oh by the way lunch was on them that day as well .Thank you very much. Ken

Frank Valanzola

VIMPORTICO
11-19-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Malcom was an absolute delight. He walked me through the deal, explaining every detail and I ended up with a deal I was happy with. He is truly an asset to your dealership. Everyone else were very nice too. I will definitely recommend this dealership to friends and family.

Yvette

CHELSEARADLE01
11-17-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Thorough, personable, knowledgeable, customer interest in mind Diligent with making this a comfortable experience Centered around customer appreciation

My Honda Service Center Tom's River

BJOHN92
11-15-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

My Honda Service Center in Tom’s River is always clean, uncluttered, with a friendly atmosphere. They were very accommodating with scheduling. The shuttle driver Nicholas was very polite and pleasant. Michel the tech was also. I love the fact that he could show me what work he needed to do. He explained it simple enough for this 76 yr old to understand. And the work was completed in a reasonable amount of time. I give 5 stars.

I find the staff to be friendly, honest, knowledgeable, and dependable.

Barbara Niess
3-8-2023
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I've had exceptional service ever since I purchased my vehicle in December of 2018. Even during the pandemic, the service department went the extra mile for me. Online scheduling is a wonderful tool. I find the staff to be friendly, honest, knowledgeable, and dependable.

I will definitely go back to purchase more vehicles from Doug in the future and recommend him to all of my friends and family.

P L
3-8-2023
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I walked in looking to buy my lease and was fortunate enough to have Doug Lazaro as my salesman. What a true gentleman, he was very thorough, patient and respectful throughout the entire process. He is definitely a rare old school breed of salesman that are becoming extinct in today’s world. The entire dealership should take customer service classes from him. He has gained a loyal lifetime customer. I will definitely go back to purchase more vehicles from Doug in the future and recommend him to all of my friends and family.

It was time to trade in my van. Karen was my salesperson.

Barbara Moss
3-8-2023
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

It was time to trade in my van. Karen was my salesperson. From start to finish, it was an awesome experience. Karen was very accommodating, friendly, and patient. She really went out of her way to make sure I was happy! I have been a customer of Honda of Toms River for 10 years and this latest experience has ensured that I will continue to buy from them in the future! Thank you again!!

Well deserved 5 stars for Toms River Honda.

Dennis Dobilas
3-8-2023
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Well deserved 5 stars for Toms River Honda. All the staff was welcoming. My sales rep and finance rep were very helpful and very knowledgeable. I would definitely revisit again and expect the same 5 star experience I received from Doug L and Alec D!

This was my first time using the service department of Honda of Toms River.

Cathy
3-8-2023
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

This was my first time using the service department of Honda of Toms River. I was able to secure an appointment for the next day. Tom Scelfo provided reasonable recommendations based on my unusual car problem. The shuttle service home made leaving my car there very convenient. Overall, great first experience and I will definitely return.

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