Plug-In Hybrids Show Up More Often in Battery Problem CasesAutoblogRex SanchezMon, September 21, 2026 at 3:35 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A Lot Going On UnderneathPlug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are typically touted as offering the best of both worlds. They possess EV-like capabilities with plug-in charging and electric-only propulsion, while still retaining a gas engine and tank for when the battery's usable electric range runs out. However, that complexity can cause problems, with Consumer Reports finding that PHEVs experience roughly 80% more issues on average than gas-only vehicles.Now, Test EV, an Australian EV-battery testing specialist, is echoing those concerns and has offered explanations for why PHEVs may be more unreliable. Test EV told carsales that PHEVs are "disproportionately represented among electrified vehicles suffering battery problems."FordThe Battery SqueezeA key point is that the high-voltage batteries in PHEVs tend to be smaller than those in battery-electric vehicles, while still powering potent electric motors. Many PHEV batteries fall in the 15–25-kWh range, significantly smaller than the packs in EVs. The GMC Hummer EV even features a battery pack rated at over 200 kWh.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs a result, PHEV batteries can undergo more frequent cycling and face greater demands relative to their capacity, potentially accelerating degradation and increasing the risk of battery-related problems.However, the report does not necessarily discourage buyers from opting for a PHEV. Instead, owners are advised to plug their vehicles in regularly to get the most from the battery and maximize the advantages of owning a PHEV. "There is plenty of feedback from years of PHEVs in the market that they need to be charged regularly to get the best out of the battery and fuel economy," Test EV founder Nathan Gore-Brown said.JeepPHEVs Still Have PullSuch a finding is significant in Australia, where demand for PHEVs is strong. Ford even offers a Ranger with a plug-in option there, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV continues to be a top seller among non-Chinese models. BYD leads the PHEV market in the Land Down Under with the Shark 6, followed by other Chinese brands, including Geely and Chery.Nevertheless, the report can offer helpful insights to current and prospective PHEV owners in the U.S., especially those considering a used one. PHEVs have struggled to gain broad traction among American buyers, with Jeep even discontinuing its Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe for the 2026 model year. Brands like Ram are pursuing range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains instead. These share similar components with conventional PHEVs, but propulsion comes solely from electric motors, while the gas engine drives a generator.FordThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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