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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can operate without being charged, but prolonged non-charging will affect vehicle performance and battery life. Equipped with both an engine and an electric motor system, PHEVs typically have a battery capacity ranging from 10 kWh to 25 kWh, allowing them to travel 50 to 100 kilometers in pure electric mode. When the battery level drops below 15%, the engine will automatically start to charge the battery, but at this time, fuel consumption is relatively high and charging efficiency is low. It is recommended to charge the battery regularly via an external power source to maintain battery health. In contrast, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles (HEVs) rely entirely on the engine and regenerative braking for charging and do not require external charging. The advantage of PHEVs is that they can run with zero fuel consumption for short commutes. However, if they are not charged for a long time, they are equivalent to traditional fuel vehicles, and due to the increased vehicle weight from carrying the battery pack, they may even consume more fuel. According to the maintenance manual, it is recommended to fully charge the battery at least once a month to avoid damage caused by long-term undercharging. Therefore, although technically PHEVs can be used without charging, from the perspectives of economy and battery maintenance, it is recommended to prioritize the use of charging facilities.

In the Malaysian market in 2025, the selection of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) requires comprehensive consideration of performance, luxury, and localized services. Among them, the BYD Seal 6, equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, delivers a combined output of 326 horsepower. Its 21.5kWh battery enables a pure electric range of 70 kilometers, making it ideal for urban commuting. In the luxury segment, models such as the Lexus LS 500h, BMW 745e, and Mercedes-Benz S 580e stand out. These vehicles combine efficient hybrid technology with premium features, feature optimized battery thermal management systems for tropical climates, and benefit from government tax incentives, enhancing their appeal. Additionally, the BYD Song PLUS DM-i emerges as an economical hybrid option, leveraging its low fuel consumption to suit local fuel price conditions. Its planned local production will further improve its cost-effectiveness. When selecting a vehicle, it is advisable to consider daily commuting requirements, charging accessibility, and the brand's after-sales network, while also evaluating battery warranty policies to minimize long-term ownership costs.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have several obvious disadvantages in the Malaysian market. First, there is a contradiction between usage costs and charging conditions. Without fixed charging facilities, long-term reliance on fuel for operation will lead to fuel consumption exceeding that of fuel-powered vehicles of the same class, while the expensively purchased battery and motor system will be left idle. For example, some users report that the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers can reach 8 liters when the battery is depleted, and the pure electric range may shrink by 30% during actual commuting due to air conditioning use or high-speed driving. Second, in terms of economy, the prices of PHEV models are generally tens of thousands of ringgit higher than their fuel-powered counterparts, and their second-hand retention rates are lower. Especially for models with faster battery aging, the depreciation is more significant when resold. In addition, policy uncertainty may affect long-term rights and interests. For instance, if low charging utilization rates are detected in the future, environmental subsidies or regional traffic privileges may be revoked. In terms of practicality, the battery pack often occupies trunk space and may even eliminate the spare tire, causing inconvenience to family users. The complexity of technical maintenance is also high; the two power systems need to be maintained simultaneously, increasing both the risk of failure and maintenance costs. Although PHEVs are suitable for users who commute short distances and have access to charging facilities, their advantages may be weakened in the local environment where fuel prices are low and charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) each have their own advantages, and the choice should be based on individual driving needs and environmental conditions. HEVs do not require external charging; they rely on regenerative braking and the engine to charge the battery, making them suitable for users with insufficient charging infrastructure or frequent long-distance driving. They offer excellent fuel efficiency, especially in urban congestion where fuel consumption can be significantly reduced—for example, Toyota's hybrid models perform notably well in the Malaysian market. PHEVs, on the other hand, are equipped with higher-capacity batteries and support external charging, typically offering an all-electric range of around 50 kilometers. They are ideal for users with daily short commutes and home charging capabilities, enabling zero-emission driving while benefiting from government green license plate policies and tax incentives, such as PHEV models from brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There is a price difference between the two: due to the higher cost of battery technology, PHEVs require a roughly 20% to 30% higher purchase budget, but long-term savings on electricity costs can partially offset this price gap. If charging is convenient and environmental benefits and policy incentives are priorities, PHEVs are the better choice; if low maintenance costs and uninterrupted range are key considerations, HEVs are a practical option. Currently, the government is accelerating the deployment of charging infrastructure, which may further enhance the practicality of PHEVs in the future.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are an eco-friendly type of vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Their core feature is the ability to be charged via an external power source while retaining the fuel engine as a backup power supply. Such vehicles are typically equipped with a high-capacity battery pack, enabling a pure electric range of 50 to 100 kilometers, making them ideal for daily short-distance commutes. When battery levels are low, the fuel engine automatically engages to address range anxiety, particularly catering to long-distance driving requirements. For instance, the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH PHEV, slated for launch in the first half of 2026, will feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system, while Wuling also plans to introduce PHEV models in the Malaysian market to expand consumer options. The advantages of PHEVs include eligibility for government tax incentives for new energy vehicles while circumventing the infrastructure limitations of pure electric vehicles. Currently, premium brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have established their presence in this segment within the Malaysian market. As charging infrastructure continues to improve, PHEVs will emerge as a pivotal transitional technology that harmonizes environmental sustainability with practical utility.