Hybrid vs electric
Everything you need to know
It’s impossible to imagine a world without electric vehicles. And the good news is that there are many ways to drive an electric vehicle. But what is the difference between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric vehicle?
Hybrid
A hybrid is powered by a combination of electric motor and internal combustion engine. It uses only the electric motor when accelerating and at speeds of up to 25 km/h, which makes it perfect for city driving. When driven faster, the internal combustion engine kicks in. Result: you use less petrol and enjoy better acceleration performance.
The system recovers energy through 'regenerative' braking. This means that the energy released when braking is recovered and used to recharge the battery while driving. This means you never have to plug in a hybrid.
Plug-in hybrid
The main difference between a conventional and a plug-in hybrid, also known as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), is that the latter has a much larger battery that needs to be charged in an outlet at home, at work or on the road. Think of it as a larger petrol tank that lets you drive much further on full electric power.
Plug-in hybrids therefore have a much longer electric range than ordinary hybrid vehicles. And when the electric range is all used up, the vehicle simply switches to its traditional combustion engine.
Electric
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is powered by a large battery that is connected to at least one electric motor. There is no petrol, gas or diesel involved. Battery electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common and affordable thanks to rapid innovations by relatively new companies such as Tesla and established car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Nissan.
What's more, the charging infrastructure and technology is developing and improving all the time, while the charging network has grown exponentially in recent years, especially in North America, Europe and China. With lower costs, an influx of new makes and models, and waning range anxiety now that so many charging stations are springing up everywhere, it has never been easier or more attractive to go electric.