Actually, a “regular” hybrid’s engine runs most of the time, alternating with battery power to propel the vehicle. The embedded algorithms make the moment-to-moment decisions as to which type of motive power is propelling the vehicle at any given time.
By contrast, a plug-in hybrid allows the driver to choose whether to run in EV mode exclusively, or whether to allow the vehicle to run in HV mode, during which it operates like a “regular” hybrid. Because most of my driving is “local”, I choose to operate my plug-in in EV-only mode almost all of the time, and I only select HV mode if I am going on a highway drive of more than 50 miles.
“Regular” hybrids usually have sufficient battery power for no more than 3 miles, at city speeds. Once it reaches its limit, it automatically switches the gas engine back on, so that it can recharge the batteries and move the vehicle.
If I had a “regular” hybrid, I would change the oil every 6 months/5k miles. With a plug-in hybrid, much less frequent oil changes should be necessary–if the driver operates in EV mode most of the time, as I do.
Some states assess an annual tax on personal property, such as cars, livestock, and certain types of equipment. I am pleased that NJ doesn’t do such things.
Some states have a personal property tax. In SC they only levy it on vehicles, boats, trailers. Buy a new car these days and that first year property tax will be over $1000. Less each year after that. The tax bill comes shortly after you buy the car. In subsequent years, the tax is added to the cost of plates renewal. Skip a year on the plates renewal and you have to provide proof that the vehicle was not driven on a public road before they will allow renewal.
I think I was a junior in South Dakota and got a notice to list my assets and pay the property tax. All I had was my car, gun, golf clubs, clothes, and books. Plus a Minnesota resident, so threw it away. I might be a wanted man though now.