Do hybrid cars need to be charged?

A conventional hybrid does not need to be plugged in. Its small traction battery is recharged while driving through regenerative braking and, when needed, by the gasoline engine.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is different. It has a larger battery and charging port, and it should be plugged in regularly if you want to maximize electric-only driving and reduce gasoline use. Many PHEVs can charge overnight from a 120-volt outlet, while Level 2 charging is faster. If you never plug in a PHEV, it can still drive using gasoline, but you lose much of the efficiency benefit that comes from its electric range.