What a plug-in hybrid is and how it differs
| Type | How it works | Plugs in | Typical electric range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild hybrid | A small electric motor assists the petrol engine; it never moves the car alone | No | 0 km |
| Hybrid (HEV) | Electric motor and petrol engine alternate; the battery charges when braking | No | 1 to 3 km |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Large battery charged from the grid; the petrol engine takes over when it runs out or on long trips | Yes | 100 to 200 km |
| Electric (BEV) | Battery and electric motor only | Yes | 300 to 500 km |
How it works day to day in Panama
- Charge at home. It plugs into a household socket or a wall charger; an overnight charge covers typical daily city use.
- Electric mode. For urban journeys, with no petrol and no noise.
- Hybrid mode. On trips to Chiriquí, Azuero or Colón, the petrol engine joins the electric one and combined range exceeds 1,000 kilometres in several models, according to the brands’ data.
- No charger, still moving. If there is nowhere to plug in, it works like a conventional hybrid.
Manufacturers’ range figures are measured in laboratory cycles (NEDC or WLTC) and tend to be optimistic: heat, air conditioning, hills and load reduce real range.
Which brands sell plug-in hybrids in Panama
According to Deagencia’s June 2026 hybrid report, the local offer is dominated by Chinese brands. Plug-in SUVs available include the BYD Song Plus DM-i and BYD Tang, the Changan CS55 Plus PHEV and Deepal G318, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, the three-row GAC GS9, the Lynk & Co 08 and the JETOUR T1 and T2 off-roaders in hybrid form, plus the G700. Among traditional brands, Toyota offers the RAV4 plug-in hybrid.
JETOUR’s hybrid off-road line, called Shanhai, passed 100,000 units sold worldwide in 2025, according to the brand, and in the Philippines the industry association CAMPI recognised it as the brand that sold the most plug-in hybrids among its members in the first half of 2026, with 1,891 units.
Taxes and incentives
Law 295 of 2022 sets a 0% import duty for fully electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids are not covered, so their price depends on the general tariff. That is why, on purchase price, a compact Chinese electric car can be more affordable than a PHEV of the same size, while the PHEV wins on range and independence from chargers.
Before buying
- Confirm the warranty coverage of the battery and hybrid system, which is usually different from the rest of the vehicle.
- Check there is a socket or space to install a charger where the car is parked at night.
- Ask about full charging time on a household socket and on a wall charger.
- Work out real use: if most journeys are short and daily charging is possible, savings are high; if not, a conventional hybrid may be more practical.
Frequently asked questions
What is a plug-in hybrid?
A vehicle with an electric motor and a petrol engine whose battery charges from the grid. It covers between 100 and 200 kilometres in electric mode depending on the model and then uses petrol.
How do you charge a plug-in hybrid in Panama?
At a household socket or a wall charger installed at home or at work. An overnight charge covers typical daily city use.
Do plug-in hybrids pay import duty in Panama?
Yes. The 0% duty of Law 295 of 2022 applies only to fully electric vehicles.
Which brands sell plug-in hybrid SUVs in Panama?
BYD, Changan, Jaecoo, GAC, Lynk & Co and JETOUR among Chinese brands, and Toyota with the RAV4 plug-in hybrid, according to Deagencia’s hybrid report.
Related articles
- JETOUR G700: the SUV that crossed the Yangtze and climbed Volcán Barú
- Radar AI: which SUV artificial intelligence recommends in Panama
- Panama Motor Show: dates, venue, brands and what to see
Sources
- Deagencia, 2026 report: hybrid cars in Panama.
- Top Gear Philippines, JETOUR leads PHEV sales among CAMPI members.
- PR Newswire, JETOUR, 622,590 units in 2025.
- Gaceta Oficial, Law 295 of 2022 on electric mobility incentives.
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