During her time at Tesla and Leap Motion, Murati was introduced to AI. In an interview with Wired, she expressed her strong belief in the potential of AGI, stating that she wanted to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking technology after experiencing its application in the real world at her previous positions. At the time, OpenAI and DeepMind were the primary organizations exploring the technology, and she aspired to be involved from an early stage. In a conversation with Fortune, she explained that she chose OpenAI because she was aligned with the company’s mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.
Upon joining OpenAI, Murati found a nonprofit research lab with only a small team of employees, which is a stark contrast to its current state with over 700 employees and a few investors supporting the project. She believed that transitioning to a for-profit model was necessary, as large-scale research requires substantial funding.
She noted that the company’s culture has evolved significantly since her arrival, with a greater focus on product development than pure research. However, Murati emphasized to Wired the importance of preserving the nonprofit’s mission.
Murati also advocates for public testing as a means to enhance generative AI. In an interview with FastCompany, she highlighted the significance of ensuring that the development of this technology is progressing in the right direction, rather than in isolation.
Plug-in hybrid cars are very quickly overcoming their mundane and odd reputation as electromobility gains traction across the world. Newer examples from various manufacturers, such as Ford, GM, German and Japanese brands, have much more to offer road users as they incorporate better electric systems, bigger and more reliable batteries, and more efficient and powerful ICE systems. Manufacturers are also heavily investing in improving transmissions, aerodynamics, and safety systems to make PHEVs a more viable choice for daily usage.
Consequently, the few consumers who choose a PHEV often enthusiastically praise their vehicles, frequently highlighting numerous benefits to make ICE and fully electric car owners envious of their purchase. PHEVs are not as abundant as EVs in the new car market, but there are some very impressive options to consider, that shine in offering the best of both worlds. These bonuses are only likely to increase as manufacturers become more invested in electric technology and downsizing.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the IRS, the Department of Energy, and Business Insider.
Plug-in hybrids offer amazing fuel efficiency returns, because they feature the best of both powertrain options. The gasoline-electric combination includes an electric motor that uses stored electrical energy from the battery to move the car for a short distance, allowing for limited zero-emission driving. Once this charge has depleted or if the driver asks for more performance from the vehicle by switching drive modes or simply stepping hard on the accelerator pedal, the internal combustion engine (ICE) comes in to assist. While the ICE is on during normal hybrid driving, it dedicates some energy to recharging the battery. Real-world practices suggest that you can save around $1,500 on fuel annually, by driving a PHEV.
Most Efficient PHEVs
Model
Combined MPGe
Toyota Prius Prime SE
127 MPGe
Ford Escape PHEV
106 MPGe
Kia Niro PHEV
105 MPGe
Toyota RAV4 Prime SE AWD
96 MPGe
Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport AWD
85 MPGe
PHEVs can operate solely on electric power to eliminate fuel consumption for a short part of the drive with some clever planning. They also feature regenerative braking, which recaptures energy typically lost in conventional ICE vehicles during braking. This system redirects the kinetic energy back to the battery as bonus energy. The combination of electric and gasoline power improves fuel efficiency and cuts down overall carbon emissions. This is one of the prime reasons why PHEVs are an environmentally and economically savvy choice for drivers wanting to lower their carbon footprint.
9The Best Environmental Benefits
Smaller Engines And Batteries Are Better For The Environment
Lexus
Plug-in hybrids offer the best fuel efficiency figures because of their heavier reliance on a battery electric system. Naturally, they are not as energy efficient as a conventional fully electric car, but they are the most frugal ICE cars money can buy. A low reliance on an internal combustion engine significantly reduces emission frequency. Recharging the small battery exclusively with renewable energy further enhances environmental benefits. In contrast, conventional hybrids almost exclusively rely on the ICE for charging, with only a small portion of power coming from the regenerative braking system.
A big part of why PHEVs are better for the environment is the sourcing and production of battery components. Modern lithium-ion batteries benefit from much better production practices, but some environmental concerns remain. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel mining is a labor-intensive practice that is environmentally damaging, leading to habitat destruction, soil and water pollution, and significant carbon emissions. PHEVs use significantly smaller battery packs compared to EVs, thus offering lower emissions over an entire production pipeline.
PHEV buyers in the USA can receive a federal tax credit of $2,500 to $7,500, based on battery size.
Many states offer additional incentives like rebates, tax credits, and reduced vehicle registration fees.
Some states grant PHEV drivers access to carpool lanes, irrespective of passenger count.
Certain areas offer rebates or incentives for installing home charging stations.
Some electric utilities provide discounted rates for electric vehicle charging.
Local governments may offer additional benefits like free parking and reduced tolls for PHEV owners.
You can also enjoy non-monetary incentives like access to specific carpool lanes and preferential EV parking in certain areas. These benefits are different, depending on the state, but they all reflect differing local priorities and policies towards green transportation. Energy utility companies in some areas also offer reduced rates for electric vehicle charging. These incentives are a big reason why so many road users are shifting to PHEV ownership, because they make eco-friendly cars more accessible and attractive to consumers, while promoting a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
PHEVs offer added convenience with their simple home charging characteristics, allowing you to recharge the compact battery using a standard household plug point. A Level One AC charger allows PHEVs to charge overnight using a regular 120-volt outlet, the same type used for common household appliances. This convenient method does away with the need for specialized charging infrastructure, improving the level of accessibility for most homeowners, when compared to conventional EVs with huge and demanding battery packs.
Most modern PHEVs accommodate Level Two charging through a 240-volt AC outlet, similar to those used for heavier appliances like air conditioners, washers, and dryers. This is better suited for daily use, because it essentially halves the required time to fill up the battery. Overnight home charging also means you can start the day with a full battery, and maximize the electric system’s range to further reduce reliance on the ICE. In rare cases, PHEVs benefit from superfast Level Three direct current charging , which can replenish the battery in a matter of minutes.
6Better Performance Capabilities
The Combination Of ICE And Electrification Has Its Benefits
Mitsubishi
Plug-in hybrid cars benefit from better performance abilities compared to conventional ICE and EV cars, because they combine the best of both worlds. The electric motor generates instant torque for faster acceleration and more responsive power delivery compared to most conventional ICEs. These electric motors also pick up the slack for the split second when an engine loses power in-between gears. This results in a smoother and more streamlined driving experience.
Fastest Accelerating PHEVs
Model
0-60 MPH
Ferrari SF90
2.0 seconds
Porsche 918 Spyder
2.4 seconds
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
2.8 seconds
Polestar 1
3.8 seconds
BMW i8 Coupe
3.8 seconds
Two power sources allow for multiple powertrain configurations suited to different driving conditions. PHEVs often weigh more than their pure ICE counterparts because they carry the added BEV system, but their better balance due to battery placement generally improves vehicle stability and handling. Regenerative braking also elevates the driving experience by offering immediate braking responsiveness. This system also recuperates more energy under heavy braking events, making it an ideal feature for spirited driving.
5Lower Maintenance Costs
PHEVs Cost Less In The Long Run
Alfa Romeo
You might believe that PHEVs cost more to maintain because they use two separate powertrains, but the reality is the opposite. Plug-in hybrid cars have lower maintenance and running costs because the systems constantly support one another, thus reducing the continual load. Electric motors have fewer moving parts, so if you use this component more frequently than the ICE on shorter commutes, you’ll likely only have to conduct annual routine servicing on the ICE. This generally leads to far fewer mechanical issues.
The Benefits Of Maintaining A PHEV
PHEVs have fewer moving parts in the electric motor, reducing wear and tear compared to traditional engines.
The reduced reliance on the internal combustion engine means fewer oil changes are necessary.
Regenerative braking decreases brake wear, leading to less frequent and less costly brake maintenance.
The ability to drive on electric power lowers the frequency and cost of refueling.
PHEVs typically have less strain on their emissions systems, resulting in lower maintenance costs.
The electric motor’s support reduces the overall workload on the gasoline engine, potentially extending its lifespan.
The smaller battery and electrical system also means that you won’t have to fork out an arm and a leg when the time comes to replace the battery in eight to 10 years. Battery technology remains very expensive with some manufacturers charging in the region of $30,000 for a new pack before labor costs. In time, and with the advent of solid-state battery technology, this will change, but manufacturers confirm that they are still years away from developing a usable example.
4Low NVH Levels And Silent Driving Characteristics
Partial Electrification Translates To A Quieter Drivetrain
Audi
PHEVs generally have lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels and silent driving characteristics, because of their electrified drivetrain configuration. Overall, there are more moving parts, but they have all been designed to be quieter and smoother. Naturally, things are almost silent when the PHEV system exclusively relies on the electric motor. In doing so, you enjoy reduced engine noise, resulting in a quieter and more serene driving experience, especially at lower speeds and during city driving conditions.
PHEVs generally use downsized engines that prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. They inherently run at lower RPMs with the support of the electric motor, drastically reducing the vibration levels. Hybrid cars are also designed to be more aerodynamic for the sake of saving fuel, but a sleek exterior design also cuts the wind noise level, resulting in a quieter ride at speeds.
3More Generous Range Returns
Having The Support Of An ICE Takes You Farther
Ford
PHEVs cover longer distances on a single tank and charge because they have a dual powertrain system that combines electricity and gasoline. PHEVs cover short trips while using the electric motor and stored electrical energy to significantly reduce fuel use. The ICE takes over when the battery runs out of charge, thus extending the vehicle’s range beyond what a solely electric or ICE vehicle can achieve. The downsized engine is usually an extremely efficient example that achieves amazing MPG, even without the assistance of the electric system.
PHEVs with the longest electric range
Model
EPA-Estimated Range
Karma GS-6
61 miles
Range Rover PHEV
48 miles
Toyota RAV4 Prime
42 miles
Ford Escape SE PHEV
37 miles
Lexus NX 450H+
37 miles
The PHEV works best when the gasoline and electric motor run in tandem. In this state, the motor will cover any areas where the ICE would consume more energy. These instances include in-between gear changes and during standstill acceleration. The electric system churns out more power under harder acceleration, the point at which an ICE consumes the most fuel. These factors make the average PHEV ideal for both city and highway use , as they require refueling and recharging far less frequently than EVs and ICEs.
2Better Resale Value
PHEVs Perform Better On The Used Market
Bentley
Plug-in hybrid cars benefit from better resale value on the used market for a multitude of reasons. Growing consumer awareness and concern about environmental issues is a big reason why these cars, which traditionally suffer from bad depreciation are performing a bit better. PHEVs are now increasingly sought after in the used car market, primarily due to the increase in gas prices and a better understanding of electromobility. PHEVs are also better suited for daily use, particularly in areas where charging infrastructure has not caught up with the increase in electric car usage.
Advancements in battery technology and increased battery lifespan reduce the long-term ownership concerns that previously affected PHEVs, translating to improved confidence when purchasing a used model. PHEVs still depreciate more than conventional ICEs, but the gap is shortening as each year passes and more manufacturers dive into the world of electromobility.
Most manufacturers are designing their PHEV options to be at the forefront of automotive technology. These examples usually sit at the top of their respective ranges and offer advanced features that are usually optional or simply not available on their ICE counterparts. For the most part, PHEVs will usually come equipped with the best navigation and advanced driver assist systems, further improving their appeal and usability.
Cheapest PHEVs
Model
MSRP
Toyota Prius Prime SE
$32,350
Kia Niro PHEV
$33,840
Hyundai Tucson PHEV
$37,300
Kia Sportage PHEV
$38,690
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
$39,845
Within the cabin, PHEVs often come fitted with the best and latest infotainment systems, supporting seamless smartphone integration, advanced navigation, and connectivity functions. Some manufacturers, such as Kia, offer watered-down PHEV options with limited features to make the drivetrain technology more accessible to those with a tighter budget, but for the most part, you’ll find that plug-in hybrid cars are very comprehensively specified.
If you want to check what’s currently in your Android device’s clipboard, Google offers an official feature called Gboard. Gboard is Google’s keyboard that appears whenever you enter text on your Android device, whether you’re using the Messages app, a web browser, or any other application. Gboard is pre-installed on most Android-powered devices, except for Samsung phones, which have their own keyboard/clipboard app that works similarly.
Adam Doud/SlashGear
To access Gboard’s clipboard, simply tap on a text input to bring up the keyboard, then tap on the clipboard icon located in the center above it. If it’s your first time doing this, you’ll need to activate Gboard, but afterwards, you’ll see small bubbles containing your copied text. Tap on any of these bubbles to automatically paste their contents into the selected text entry. The clipboard on Samsung phones can also be found above the keyboard.
Daniel Trock/SlashGear
Only the most recent pieces of text you enter will be saved on the clipboard, but if you want to save something longer, you can tap and hold on a bubble to pin it. Pinned bubbles will stay on Gboard for one hour and will be automatically deleted after that. If you tap the gear icon above your keyboard and go to the clipboard settings, you can enable more advanced clipboard features, such as copying and pasting images.
If your Apple Watch keeps making noises when you don’t want it to, there’s a simple way to mute it. Apple has a feature that allows you to quickly mute sounds by covering your Apple Watch with your palm. Here’s how to enable and use this feature:
Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Go to the My Watch tab and select Sounds & Haptics.
Scroll down and turn on the toggle switch for Cover to Mute.
Once you have enabled the Cover to Mute feature, follow these steps to use it:
When you receive an alert, cover your Apple Watch display with your palm.
Keep your palm on the display for at least three seconds.
You will feel a vibration confirming that your Apple Watch has been muted.
Your Apple Watch will remain muted until you manually unmute it. To enable notification sounds again, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (watchOS 9 or earlier) or press the side button (watchOS 10) to open Control Center, then tap the bell icon to unmute your Apple Watch. Note that if your Apple Watch is running watchOS 9.4 or later, any wake-up alarms will not be silenced when you use Cover to Mute, as the gesture could accidentally activate while you’re asleep.
Did you know that the iPhone has a hidden feature that lets you quickly redial the last phone number you called? Instead of scrolling through your contact list to find the number again, you can bring it up instantly using the manual dialer.
Here’s how it works: Open the Phone app on your iPhone, go to the manual dialer, and simply tap the green call button without entering any numbers. The first tap will automatically paste the last number you called or dialed into the number entry. If you tap the call button again, you’ll call that number.
In comparison to scrolling through your contact list and selecting the number, this method only requires three quick taps: open the dialer, tap the call button, and tap it again. This is especially useful if you have a lengthy contacts list. Just make sure to double-check the number before redialing, especially if you’ve been making multiple calls.
Additionally, if you use Siri on your iPhone, you can also redial a number quickly using a voice command. Activate Siri and say “redial that last number” to immediately call the most recent number you dialed. Similarly, if you want to quickly call back a number that called you, say “return my last call.”
France recently banned the iPhone 12 from being sold in the country due to concerns about its radiation levels. Apple, known for its commitment to health and the environment, responded by instructing its employees not to address customer questions about the health risks of the iPhone 12 and to emphasize its safety.
An Apple spokesperson stated that the ban was related to the testing protocol used by French regulators and not due to any safety concerns. The company assured that all its phones, including the iPhone 12, meet the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) regulations and standards worldwide.
In response to the request made by the French minister, Apple agreed to release a software update to make the iPhone 12 compliant with the SAR testing protocols in France. The conflict arose because France modified its SAR testing protocols in 2020, the same year the iPhone 12 was launched.
To provide some context, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States has set a maximum SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg for smartphones, while the European Union (EU) allows up to 2 W/kg. To meet the French regulations, Apple simply needed to update its software to accommodate the changes in the testing protocols and ensure the phone’s radiation safety.
Car manufacturers like Bentley face the challenge of deciding how and when to commit to the electrification of their cars. With premium brands releasing new plug-in hybrid SUVs with impressive electric ranges, Bentley cannot afford to ignore the growing market. Although buyers of the new Bentley Bentayga S Hybrid may not be concerned about benefit-in-kind tax bills, they will start to question why their Bentayga can only manage 30 miles between charges while their colleagues’ Range Rover can do 70 miles. As a result, Bentley has revisited its big SUV and made some improvements to the hybrid model.
The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid was introduced in 2019 as the brand’s first electrified car. Following the success of the Flying Spur Hybrid, Bentley has now expanded the Bentayga Hybrid model line to include the comfort-oriented ‘Azure’ and sporty ‘S’ derivatives. However, one disappointment is that Bentley did not replace the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with the more powerful 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged engine found in the Flying Spur Hybrid. Despite this, the Bentayga S Hybrid offers slightly more power and torque than its predecessor, along with a longer electric range. It also features a sporty exhaust and a sound generating resonator to compensate for the less audible combustion engine. On the outside, the car boasts sporty seats, bumpers, and carbon fibre body trim options. However, the driving experience falls short of transformational.
The Land Rover Defender, once a workhorse, has become a sought-after SUV among 4×4 enthusiasts. Rover Trophy specializes in maintaining and preserving the Defender’s legacy through customized builds. They are currently offering a unique opportunity to purchase a project from their inventory – the 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110.
This particular build stands out as the rarest and largest among Rover Trophy’s creations. It features an additional pickup bed alongside the spacious full-size cabin. The exterior is finished in a stealthy grey paint color, with gloss black upgrades like widened fenders, a front winch, exterior roll cage, LED light rack, side steps, and a storage platform. It also boasts a new high-performance DME suspension system, 16-inch Mach 5 wheels, and 37-inch Maxxis Trepador off-road tires for excellent ground clearance.
Inside the cabin, the Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 offers a blend of style and comfort. The custom hand-sewn Hornback leather interior is complemented by a new AC system from Ministry of Defender, ensuring cool summer drives along the beach. Modern entertainment and technology features include a Kenwood entertainment center with Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker surround sound, kicker subwoofers, and a reverse camera.
Under the hood, this Defender is equipped with a GM Performance 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine delivering 430 horsepower. A sophisticated 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission manages the power, which is applied to the Defender’s 4×4 system. Heavy-duty drivetrain components are installed for enhanced durability and safety.
The 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 Crew Cab is currently available for sale through Rover Trophy via duPont REGISTRY. Check out the link for more details and pricing.
