While planning of buying a vehicle on the latest technology questions like what is the difference between hybrid and electric? Which one is better? What are the pros and cons of hybrid and electric? Come to our minds. Let’s clear them out:
Hybrid Vehicle
A hybrid vehicle has at least one electric motor combined with a gasoline engine to give power to the vehicle. These vehicles can be dependent on gasoline, or electric motors, or they both can work together. These are fuel flexible vehicles. Electric power enhances fuel economy and boosts performance.
Types of Hybrid Vehicles
Parallel Hybrid
These types of the hybrid are most common, in this electric motors and gasoline engine are connected in the common transmission that mix the power of both sources; the transmission can be automatic, manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt are a great example of parallel hybrids vehicles. Although, brands including Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, Honda, and Infiniti uses the parallel design in its hybrids.
Series Hybrid
In these types of hybrids, there is no physical connection between the engine and wheels and all the power is from an electric motor i.e. the movement is done by electric motors. The gasoline engine is to recharge the battery. The driving experience of these vehicles more likely an electric vehicle, with quite an engine and powerful acceleration. BMW i3 is an example of a series hybrid.
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has both an electric battery and gasoline engine but the battery is much larger than other hybrids and can easily be charged by an external charger; It can drive up to 55 miles depending on the model. When the battery runs down it will switch to gasoline without interrupting the vehicle driving. The fuel economy is great for these vehicles. Toyota Prius Prime and Volvo XC90 T8 are an example of plug-in hybrids.
Electric Vehicles
An electric vehicle is totally dependent on its battery and electric motor no gasoline engine is there. The battery is large enough to drive the vehicle for up to 250-350 miles depending on the model. These vehicles are future of automobiles and everyday new electric vehicles are coming which are more powerful than the combustion one. Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, and there is at least one electric model of each brand present today.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Vehicles
Pros
- No need for charging
- You can travel extra miles without worrying about the battery charge as a gasoline engine is here
- Less expensive than electric
Cons
- Less energy-efficient than electric vehicles
- Fuel economy is lesser than electric
- Noisier than EV
- The need for an oil change and engine maintenance
Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles
Pros
- Zero emissions
- Quiet acceleration
- Less expensive than gasoline
- Maintenance is generally for tires and wipers
Cons
- More expensive to buy
- The range is the major concern as when the battery runs out you have to wait for charging
- For long routes require a fast-charging station
Taxes and other savings
If the main purpose of buying a hybrid or electric is saving and tax rebates the don’t worry both hybrids and electric have benefits as they both are good for the environment. The federal income tax credits apply to both hybrids and electrics although the electric gets more benefits because its zero-emission and hybrids get less as if you drive it on gasoline emission is there, therefore, choose the one best for your situation.
FAQs
Is hybrid better than electric?
If we compare them on their electric power then electric is better than the hybrid but hybrid has a major advantage that is you can run it without worrying about battery charge and that makes it better than electric. So, it depends on your requirement if you drive short and can charge it daily then go for electric otherwise hybrid is a great option as it gives you both electric as well as gasoline power.
Is it cheaper to run a hybrid vehicle?
If we are comparing it to a conventional gasoline engine vehicle yes, it is and if we are comparing it to electric then electric is cheaper to run than a hybrid.
Can you turn a car into hybrid?
Yes, it is possible. Some companies perform it on fleet vehicles. Although it’s better not to covert it rather buys a new hybrid because the hybrid is specifically designed as per its engine.
What is the cheapest electric car?
- Renault Twizy
- Hyundai Kona
- Nissan Leaf
How long do electric cars last?
As per current predictions, an electric car battery can last from 10-20 years.
Is it worth buying a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrids are cheap to run better than the conventional hybrid and it also covers the limited range drawback of electric cars so, it is a great option if it fulfills your demand.
