After considering all essential factors—the initial price, refueling, range, maintenance, and environmental impacts—electric vehicles are claimed to be a more viable option from the current perspective. They are known for lower emissions, and their higher purchase cost can be neutralized by saving fuel costs during EV’s lifetime.
Hybrid and Electric vehicles
Hybrid cars have been around for decades but are still less popular than electric cars. Instead, hybrid vehicles are becoming less common than ever.
People often need clarification about hybrid and electric cars. Some think of both as the same, but there is a massive difference. If you consider any of these as your next vehicle, you must know the difference regarding the requirements and features.
Here, in this article, you will find how these are different. Let’s explore the differences between them.
What is a Hybrid Car?
Hybrids combine gas-powered engines and electric motors to run the vehicle. HEVs have the qualities of both gas-only engines and electric vehicles. The engine and motor perform differently, but both can work together at any time to enhance power.
Energy for the motor comes from a high-voltage battery pack (it’s apart from a 12-v Lead-acid battery for starting the engine). Its battery is smaller than an EV battery. It is charged through power generated by the vehicle’s regenerative braking system, which is wasted in the air in conventional cars. The engine generator also charges the battery and is not plugged in for charging.
It runs less than 20% on the battery and more than 80% on ICE (Internal Combustion engine).
Hybrid cars combine high fuel efficiency and low emissions, resulting in increased power and gas efficiency.
Critical Components of Hybrid Vehicle
The following components are found in hybrid electric vehicles:
- Internal Combustion Engine
- Electric Motor for passively increasing range
- Electric Generator
- Battery Pack
- Fuel Tank
- Fuel Filler
- DC Converter
- Thermal System
- Transmission
Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid vehicles
- Its Purchasing Cost is higher
- HEV possesses complex hybrid Technology.
- Fuel efficient on long trips.
- Insurance rates are higher.
- Decreases fuel economy In Cold Weather.
What is an Electric Car?
Electric cars, also known as battery electric vehicles, all-electric vehicles, or total electric vehicles, typically use electric motors instead of the gas-only engine. These consume electricity instead of petrol or gas compared to a hybrid or conventional car, plug-in into some charging source or outlet known as electric vehicles supply equipment. Since EVs don’t use the engine, they emit no fumes or tailpipe emissions. They have no components typically associated with conventional fuel engines, such as a fuel pump, gearbox, fuel filter, and fuel tank. Battery packs are extra-large, amounting to much of the car’s weight. An electric motor receives electricity from it, and the drive shaft turns the wheels when the vehicle accelerates. When the car slows down, the engine produces power, sends it to the converter, and supplies it to the battery for charging. It has a rechargeable battery that is charged at home or public charging station.
Critical Components of an Electric Vehicle
- Electric Motor
- Battery Pack
- Power Inverter
- Charger
- Charging Pot
- Transmission
- Thermal System
- DC Converter
Comparison of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Hybrid and electric vehicles, while having some similarities, do have some differences, which are mentioned as under:
- A hybrid car has two engines — ICE and an electric motor while an electric car has only an electric motor to run.
- Both vehicles have batteries but perform different functions in each. In HEV, the battery only provides power to run under a specific speed limit, while in EVs, the battery runs every component.
- EVs battery is plugged-in to charge while HEVS are to refuel.
- In terms of performance, both vehicles are different. An electric car accelerates faster and more smoothly than a hybrid car.
- Electric vehicles don’t emit emissions, while hybrids emit pollutants.
- HEV needs periodic oil changes, while EV doesn’t. It, however, requires some fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and others.
- Hybrid cars have the potential to travel long distances. EVs also have more length covering range, but they still need to achieve the level of performance HEVs have.
- A hybrid relies on itself for charging through regenerative braking. An EV has an external plug-in source for charging its battery.
Advantages and Disadvantages of HEVs vs EVs
Some pros and cons of both HEV and EV are listed below:
- Purchase Cost: HEVs are less expensive than EVs. Currently, affordable new and used electric cars are available on the market.
- Range: In contrast to EVs, HEVs have a long-distance covering range. New, EVs have an almost 300-500 km range on a full charge.
- Fuel Cost: HEVs rely on fuel while EVs on electricity. Electricity costs on average, $0.25 per kWh. Traveling 100 km would cost about $4.50. On the other hand, the cost of fuel is between $80-$100 to fill an 80-liter tank. It would cost more depending on how much energy your vehicle use.
- Maintenance: In contrast to HEVs, EVs require less maintenance because these have few moving parts which do not require routine maintenance as hybrid or other conventional vehicles need, such as engine tuning, oil change, spark plug replacement, etc. HEVs need care on a regular basis.
- Repairing Cost: Although the EVs are cheaper to drive and maintain during their life, the cost for repair may be higher due to their costly parts. Hybrids are otherwise as for as their repairing cost is concerned.
Imran is an experienced content writer who crafts engaging and informative articles for a variety of industries. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Imran delivers high-quality content that resonates with readers. Whether he’s writing blog posts, social media content, or website copy, Imran is committed to delivering compelling content that drives results.
