We purchased over a dozen of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) for our auto test program at consumer reports, to study deeper and reveal many nuances of the most misunderstood vehicle. This week we share our initial impressions of some of our first interactions with plug-in hybrids and what we have discovered so far. Jake Fisher drafts a complex spreadsheet to help one of our audience members decide between a hybrid and a PHEV. We also answer if there is any correlation between the hybrid battery and the 12-volt battery in hybrid vehicles.

CR PHEV Cost Calculator: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

SHOW NOTES
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Is a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Right for You?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/...

Electric Cars 101: Answers to All Your EV Questions
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/...

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/...

Car Safety Guide
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/...

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/...

Subscribe to Talking Cars on YouTube:    / @consumerreports  

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - Why (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) PHEVs?
04:28 - What are plug-in hybrids?
07:28 - Who are PHEVs for?
12:10 - Plug-ins are a version of gas powered vehicles
13:39 - Our experience with 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV)
16:52 - Driving the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV
20:08 - 2023 Mazda CX90 PHEV
21:04 - PHEVs are not for everyone
26:08 - Question #1: Which plug-in hybrid should I buy?
31:22 - Question #2: Will a 12-volt trickle charger also keep the hybrid battery topped off?