PHEV

When the current-generation RAV4 crossover was introduced in 2019, Toyota promised both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid option. We’ve driven both as 2021 model year offerings. Here’s what we learned about Toyota’s electrified RAV4s.

BMW has been slowly electrifying all of its vehicles. The small X3 crossover has been a popular staple in the automaker's lineup for a few years, offering family-sized luxury with BMW’s signature driver’s focus. Now the X3 has a plug-in option, the X3 Hybrid.

Jeep’s new 4xe sub-brand of electrified vehicles has added the iconic Wrangler to its growing list of plug-ins. The Wrangler 4xe boasts up to 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric mobility and an estimated 50 MPGe (4.7 l/100km).

The current-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was introduced in 2014 and a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) arrived shortly thereafter. The PHEV combines the best of both worlds, offering the experience of all-electric driving with the assurance of longer range via a gasoline engine. We jumped behind the wheel to put it through its paces.

The new 2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid model, announced last year, has finally entered showrooms in the US. Using Ford's fourth-generation hybrid technology, the Escape PHEV is rated at 100 MPGe (2.4 l/100km).

Volvo is known for safety, but consistently delivers some of the more well-designed luxury vehicles in the American market as well. With the 2020 S60, Volvo has found a sweet spot that combines luxury, safety, and daily driveability in a small sedan.

While the world waits for electrics to improve their range and charge time figures, the plug-in hybrid is a terrific compromise. Ford has released a plug-in hybrid version of its new Escape SUV that allows fully electric city driving and extended range gasoline touring when necessary.

Mitsubishi is going plug-crazy at Geneva, with the new Engelberg Tourer next-generation sport utility concept. The vehicle incorporates the Dendo Drive House System, which creates an energy ecosystem between a home and an electric vehicle.

BMW’s i division has launched a wireless charging system for plug-in hybrids. The factory-fitted, fully-integrated inductive charging system is a world-first. BMW says that production for BMW Wireless Charging will begin in July and is available for order now, for the 530e iPerformance model.

​Electric three-wheeled scooters that tilt into turns occupy one of the more interesting spaces when it comes to futuristic vehicle design. Peugeot's new hybrid scooter is no exception, built to weave its way through urban centers and hum along at freeway speeds when the time is right.​

BMW is busy electricking all kinds of things. The latest is the MINI Countryman hybrid, the first of the British brand’s line to get a power cord and go mainstream. Unlike MINI EV experiments of the past, the Countryman PHEV retains all of the good qualities of the (wait for it) biggest MINI.

In an effort to bring the fuel consumption and emissions benefits of plug-in hybrid technologies to heavy duty vehicles in the construction industry, Chinese companies Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) and Shannxi Automotive have teamed up to develop the world's first PHEV cement mixer truck.