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Plug-in hybrid cars in 2026: How does public charging work compared to 100% electric cars?
In the world of electric mobility, the coexistence of vehicles with different standards and charging capacities calls for clarity: the public charging infrastructure Powy provides charging points compatible with both 100% electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), subject to the technological and performance limitations inherent to each vehicle.
As PHEV models have evolved technologically, several manufacturers have introduced higher-capacity battery packs and, on certain configurations, support for direct current charging (DC); however, the actual charging speed and access to the various standards depend exclusively on the technical specifications determined by the automaker.
1. A Comparison of Vehicle Architectures: Full Hybrid (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
Different propulsion systems involve varying levels of interaction with public infrastructure:
| Technical Specification | HEV (full hybrid) | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid 2026) | BEV (100% electric) |
| Battery capacity | 1.0 – 2.0 kWh | 18–30 kWh (approximate values; a few models exceed 40 kWh) | 50–100+ kWh |
| Charging at a public charging station? | No (kinetic/internal reloading only) | Yes (Type 2 connector at AC; rare models with CCS2 at DC) | Yes (AC Type 2 + DC Fast and HPC up to 350 kW) |
| 100% Electric Range | 2–5 km | 80–130 km (WLTP-certified figures; may vary in real-world use) | 350–650 km (WLTP-certified figures) |
| Theoretical maximum power | Not applicable | AC: approximately 3.7–11 kW/ DC: 25–55 kW (specific models only) | AC: 11–22 kW / DC: 100–350 kW |
2. The Evolution of the Onboard Charger (OBC) and the Introduction of “ DC ” Charging for PHEVs
The rate at which a vehicle draws alternating current (AC) is regulated and limited by the on-board charger (OBC) installed by the manufacturer:
- Most older PHEV models are equipped with single-phase chargers rated at 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW; in these cases, even when connected to higher-power charging stations, the charging session takes approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the battery capacity.
- Several recent models feature three-phase chargers with a capacity of up to 11 kW, reducing charging times for batteries with a capacity of approximately 25 kWh to just under two hours, provided that the electrical system and the cable support three-phase power.
- DC: The availability of DC charging for PHEVs depends on the specific vehicle model. Before listing a model as compatible, you must verify that it is equipped with a CCS2 port and actually supports direct current charging by consulting the manufacturer’s official documentation.
DC -compatibility for fast charging in plug-in vehicles is not a widespread standard: it remains mostly an optional feature or one reserved for specific segments. The majority of PHEVs on the road charge exclusively using alternating current (AC).
3. Numerical example: Charging 20 kWh at a public charging station
The times shown in the table are approximate estimates based on theoretical power; the actual charging time may vary depending on the vehicle's power draw curve, battery temperature, state of charge (SoC), and general grid conditions:
| Vehicle Profile | Charging Station Powy | Maximum power consumption | Estimated time for 20 kWh |
| PHEV (7.4 kW single-phase OBC) | AC ing station up to 22 kW | 7.4 kW (the car's hardware limit) | ~2 hours and 45 minutes |
| PHEV (11 kW three-phase OBC) | AC ing station up to 22 kW | 11 kW (the car's OBC limit) | ~1 hour and 50 minutes |
| PHEV with CCS2 port enabled DC | DC -Fast 50-kW charging station | Maximum power supported by the vehicle | Varies depending on the actual power and the charging curve |
| BEV (high-power 800V architecture) | Ultra-fast station (HPC) | Over 150 kW (peak phase) | ~8–12 minutes |
4. Operating Costs and TCO Comparison: PHEV vs. BEV
The cost savings of electric propulsion compared to traditional fuels are not a fixed or guaranteed figure, but depend on a number of factors: the rate plan offered by the chosen mobility service provider (eMSP), the availability of subscription plans, the cost of fuel at the pump, and driving style:
- Driving 100 km on gasoline with a dead battery costs approximately between €11.50 and €13.00 (based on an estimated average fuel consumption of 6.5 l/100 km and a reference fuel price of €1.85/l).
- Traveling the same distance in electric mode requires, on average, between 18 and 20 kWh; for example, with competitive AC rates, the estimated cost can range from €8.00 to €9.50.
- In the case of a 100% electric vehicle (BEV), the powertrain’s higher overall energy efficiency can lead to a further reduction in specific energy consumption, bringing the indicative estimate per 100 km to between €6.00 and €7.50, depending on the type of charging used.
Actual costs always depend on the terms of the contract the user has signed with their charging app and on the vehicle's actual usage.
5. Management of Idle Fees
To maintain the network’s accessibility and encourage the rotation of charging stations, charging operators and mobility service providers charge idle fees once charging is complete:
- On AC infrastructure, whether occupancy fees apply after charging is complete depends on the station’s terms and conditions and the pricing plan of the eMSP being used. Before leaving the vehicle plugged in, it is therefore advisable to check the app for any free time allowances and expected costs.
- If the rate conditions include a free-use allowance, once that allowance is exceeded, usage charges calculated based on the duration of stay may apply.
- PHEV owners are advised to monitor the progress of the charging session via the app: leaving the vehicle parked for many hours beyond the charging time (for example, during work hours when the charge is completed in a couple of hours) may result in parking fees that affect the overall cost of the parking session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I charge a plug-in hybrid at an ultra-fast (HPC) charging station?
Only if the vehicle is specifically certified and factory-equipped with a CCS2 combo port for direct current charging. If the vehicle is equipped exclusively with the standard Type 2 port forAC, it is not physically possible to connect the high-power DC cable.
What happens if I plug a car with a 7.4-kW charger into a 22-kW charging station?
The process takes place in complete safety: the charging station and the vehicle communicate to define the safety parameters, and the car draws only the power that its onboard charger can handle (in this case, up to a maximum of 7.4 kW single-phase). You are billed only for the kWh actually delivered, subject to the rate terms of the service used.
Is it worth charging a PHEV while driving on the highway?
Cost-effectiveness depends on the duration of the stop and the availability of compatible charging stations. Charging via DC —when supported by the vehicle—allows for shorter charging times; for models that support only AC charging, a dedicated stop during a highway trip is generally less practical.
Methodological Note: The examples and values provided are for illustrative purposes only. Charging times depend on various factors and may vary depending on the vehicle and charging conditions. For precise information, please refer to the vehicles’ technical specifications.
About Powy
Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Founded in Turin in 2018, Powy is at the forefront of the transition toward more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses 100% renewable energy—whose origin is certified by Guarantees of Origin (GO)—on its proprietary network, Powy.
Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.
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