Differences between Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

As time goes by, more and more hybrid and electric cars are gaining ground in the car market. If we know that electric cars run on electricity, as the name suggests, how do hybrids work?

First of all, there are two types of hybrid cars: Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids. Let's understand the differences between them.

.

Hybrids

How they work: they have an electric motor and a combustion engine, with the former acting as a back-up to the latter. These engines work together or independently and are managed automatically by the system. As a rule, the electric motor is used for starting, reversing, decelerating and braking. In other situations, the car may only use the combustion engine.

Autonomy: batteries generally have little autonomy, they can do around 2km fully on electricity but it depends on driving style.

Consumption: consumption is made more efficient by the electric motor.

.

Plug-in hybrids

Operation: they also have an electric motor that assists the combustion engine, however, the batteries have more autonomy and the motor to be used can be managed by the driver or in auto mode. In these models, the battery can be charged by plugging it into an electrical outlet, just like in fully electric models.

Autonomy: the batteries have greater capacity, making it possible to travel significant distances fully electric. It all depends on the make and model, however, there are already brands that report autonomy.

Consumption: the advantage of these cars is their versatility. On the one hand, it allows fully electric use, and on the other, it never leaves you stranded. In the case of long distances, consumption can be managed efficiently thanks to the electric battery.

.

Advantages of Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid cars:

• Low consumption, especially compared to combustion engines;

• Power, due to the use of 2 engines. Usually achieves a combined power of around 200 horsepower;

• Good performance, thanks to the electric motor that allows instant and linear power delivery, the combustion engine doesn't need to work so hard;

• Low CO2 emissions;

• Tax benefits, both when bought new, such as reduced IUC.

.

Disadvantages of Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid cars:

• Price, mainly due to the cost of building very powerful batteries and gasoline engines;

• Maintenance, thanks to new components that increase maintenance costs;

• Battery life.

.

Choosing a car is an important task. Consider the pros and cons to see what kind of car makes sense for you and your family. See HERE the Hybrid gasoline car options you can find at Benecar.

.

.

.

Sources: SAPO and CONTROLAUTO

Translated with DeepL.com