The primary distinction lies in their powertrain and charging capabilities. One vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), primarily relying on a gasoline engine and regenerative braking to charge its battery. The other is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), featuring a larger battery pack that can be charged by plugging into an external power source, allowing for extended electric-only driving range.
The significance of this distinction impacts fuel efficiency, emissions, and driving habits. The PHEV offers the advantage of reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, particularly for shorter commutes where electric-only driving is sufficient. Historically, this type of vehicle has represented an intermediate step in the transition towards fully electric vehicles, offering a blend of electric and gasoline power. The benefit is that the operator does not always rely on a charging station and can continue driving on gas.