Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
* Do not need to be plugged in. These cars use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but the battery is charged by regenerative braking and the gasoline engine.
* Examples: Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
* Can be plugged in to charge the battery. PHEVs have a larger battery than HEVs and can be driven for a longer distance on electricity alone. They can also be charged at home or public charging stations.
* Examples: Toyota Prius Prime, Ford Escape PHEV, Chevrolet Volt
So, the answer depends on the type of hybrid car:
* HEVs: No, they don't need to be plugged in.
* PHEVs: Yes, they can be plugged in to charge the battery.