When considering your next car, you might be thinking about going electric, only to realize there are many variations to choose from. You’ll come across hybrids, plug-in hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles, to name a few. Understanding the difference between electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids can be helpful since these options combine old and new technology, offering practicality, cost savings, and better efficiency compared to traditional gasoline cars.
Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t use an internal combustion engine like traditional cars do. Instead, they operate with an electric motor and are powered by a battery that needs to be charged either at home or at charging stations like Tesla Superchargers. Modern examples of EVs include the Ford Mach-E, Kia EV6, and Rivian R1S.
The electric motor in an EV works through a rotating magnetic field. Inside the motor, there are three electromagnets around a free-floating rotor which spins according to the magnetic attraction. This spinning rotor then powers the car’s wheels, pushing it forward or backward. Regenerative braking, which converts motion back into electricity, helps charge the battery when the vehicle slows down.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are two different approaches to combining gasoline and electric power. A hybrid mainly relies on gasoline with an electric backup and doesn’t need to be plugged in. It converts some energy from gasoline to electricity through regenerative braking. This collected electricity can be used to run the hybrid at low speeds or assist in acceleration. The Toyota Prius is a well-known example, and now hybrids come in various models, like the Kia Sportage Hybrid.
On the other hand, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can be charged via an electrical outlet and relies on that electric charge for daily use. PHEVs usually offer a longer electric-only range compared to regular hybrids. For example, the modern Rav4 Prime can run about 42 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine takes over.
There are different ways the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor can be combined in hybrids. In a series drivetrain, the engine charges the battery, which then powers the electric motor to move the wheels. This setup is efficient for stop-and-go driving, like in cities.
In parallel hybrids, both the electric motor and the ICE can power the wheels. The car’s computer decides which power source to use and when. The electric motor might be used for quick acceleration, while the gas engine might take over for long highway stretches.
Series-parallel hybrids combine both gas and electric power simultaneously. Usually, electric power initiates movement before gas power takes over to reach higher speeds. This setup is more complex and expensive but offers a balanced performance.
Although EVs are gaining popularity, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are still great choices for many people, especially those concerned about driving range. Some even prefer PHEVs to full EVs. If you’re unsure about the differences between these types of vehicles, it might be worth exploring more detailed comparisons on electrified vehicles.