Plug-in hybrids are more than a bridge between gas and all-electric powered vehicles. They are genuine choices for people who want to seriously reduce their greenhouse gas emissions but still make unplanned or long trips without the limitations of the country’s woefully inadequate public charging station infrastructure. And when the PHEV is the 2023 Lexus NX 450h+, they are fun to drive, too.

For the uninitiated, a PHEV is a plug-in vehicles that can go a certain number of miles on electricity alone alone before switching over to a hybrid system that alternates between gas and electric power to maximize mileage. When first introduced, they did not have much all-electric range, which largely negated their higher costs. But the technology is improving and, although plug-ins still cost more than conventional hybrids, several now offer enough all-electric range for average daily driving.

Jim Redden is a reporter based in Portland, Ore.

“I am a community journalist because that is where the greatest need is. There are many sources of information and opinion about international and national issues. But most people are more affected by what happens in their local communities. That is where they live, work and shop. That is where their children go to school. That is where their elected officials, business owners and labor leaders are most accessible. And that is why people need the most current information what is happening — or, more importantly, what is going to happen — in their communities. Providing accurate and up-to-date information that people need to make well-informed decisions on the issues they care about is what community journalism is all about.”

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