Electric cars are powered by electricity from batteries, while hybrids are powered by gasoline and electric power. They both have their pros and cons, but which one is right for you? Here’s a look at the key differences between electric cars and hybrids: Electric Cars: -They’re much cheaper to operate than hybrids. A single battery can power an electric car for up to 100 miles, while a hybrid needs to be plugged into the grid to continue running. -Electric cars also have a shorter range than hybrids. A typical electric car can travel about 25 miles on a charge, while a hybrid can travel up to 40 miles on a charge. -Electric cars also require less maintenance than hybrids. A single battery replacement is typically required for an electric car, while a hybrid may need regular oil changes and air filters. -Electric cars also have lower emissions than hybrids. Electric cars produce no emissions when you drive them, while hybrids release gas and oil when you drive them. -Some people find electric cars more comfortable to ride in than hybrids because they’re not as noisy as gasoline vehicles. Electric cars also tend not to have as many gears as hybrid vehicles do, so they can be more comfortable on long trips. Hybrids: -They offer some advantages over electric cars that may be worth considering if you’re looking for an alternative transportation option: -They’re more efficient –hybrids run on gasoline andelectric power which means they use less fuel overall, which saves money in the long run -They’re easier to maintain –a single battery replacement is typically required for mosthybrids whereas an electric car requires only minor repairs over time (although it does require charging) -They offer more range –hybrids can travel up to 40 miles on a charge whereas an electric car only travels 25 miles
How Does a Hybrid Vehicle Work?
With inconsistent marketing around low and zero-emissions vehicles, it can be hard to pin down exactly what each model does or how they work. Some use a mix of gasoline and electric power, while others are entirely battery-powered.
Hybrid vehicles get their name from the fact that they use both electric and internal combustion engines. The models most of us are familiar with, like the Prius, use an electric motor powered by a battery to move the vehicle during low-demand conditions like surface street driving. But they also have a smaller than normal gasoline engine to use for high-demand and long-distance situations. Another name for this kind of hybrid vehicle is the “series hybrid.”
Splitting power demand between electric and gas lets hybrids operate very efficiently, often getting a very high mile-per-gallon (MPG) range. Because it doesn’t use gas all the time, hybrids produce reduced carbon emissions but do still put out some exhaust.
In addition to the battery that all gas engines have, hybrids have another battery pack to power the electric motor. It’s not as big as the one in an EV, because the car doesn’t run solely on the battery’s power. A hybrid’s battery pack can store anywhere from 1 to 9 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity to use. A hybrid’s two batteries split the car’s electric needs — the battery pack powers the electric motor, while the more typical 12V car battery powers ancillary features like the radio and lights. Series hybrids typically recharge their battery through regenerative braking instead of plugging the battery pack in.
While series hybrids are probably the most common, there are other types of hybrid vehicles that work differently. Depending on the model and manufacturer, some hybrids use both electric and gas power at the same time instead of switching between the two. These are referred to as “parallel hybrids.”
Still other hybrids allow you to plug them in to recharge their battery packs, giving them greater range than series hybrids. These hybrids still use some gas, but have larger battery packs that allow them to travel greater distances solely using electric power.
How Are All-Electric Vehicles (EVs) Different From Hybrids?
As the name implies, EVs do not use gasoline to power them at all. Instead, they store electricity in massive battery packs, which are used to rotate the vehicle’s electric motor.
This design means far fewer moving parts than a conventional gas-powered engine. It also means a higher degree of rotational force, or torque can be sent to the wheels when accelerating than with an internal combustion engine.
Electric cars produce no exhaust and can refuel by being plugged in at home or using public charging stations. While just about every EV on the market uses regenerative braking, they still have to be plugged into a power source to fully charge their batteries.
While early EVs were sedan-sized, there are now EV versions of everything from cars to trucks to SUVs available to purchase. Advances in technology mean they have greater range and power than before, though it still might be easier to find a gas station than a place to charge your EV, depending on what the charging network in your area is like.
Hybrids currently have the advantage over EVs when it comes to range, with the exception of higher-end models like Tesla’s Model 3 long range. That said, an EV will more than suffice for the average person’s daily drive, and can often be topped off at home overnight.
Should You Buy an Electric Car or a Hybrid?
Which low or zero-emission vehicle is right for you? If range is important to you but you still want to cut your carbon footprint, a plug-in hybrid would be a good choice. If you’re not worried about range, have a place to plug it in at night, and are confident in relying on the charging network near you, an EV might be the way to go. At the end of the day, it depends on your needs.
RELATED: Electric Vehicles: How Easy Is It to Find a Charging Station?
