PHEV

American

abbreviation

plug-in hybrid electric vehicle: an automobile or other vehicle primarily powered by an electric motor whose battery can be recharged by plugging into a power source: an internal-combustion engine takes over if the battery is depleted.

Etymology

Origin of PHEV

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Also known as a PHEV, these cars combine a combustion engine with a relatively small battery that powers an electric motor.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

But now SUV shoppers have another choice to consider: the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022

The company is debuting three new Niro models at the New York International Auto Show this week: the hybrid Niro HEV, the plug-in hybrid Niro PHEV, and the fully electric Niro EV.

From The Verge • Apr. 13, 2022

The more frequently you can recharge your PHEV, the more fuel-efficient it will be.

From Washington Times • Aug. 26, 2020

Now why does the PHEV, Mini’s flagship in cost and equipment, have a lame battery?

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 18, 2018

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023