Electric cars are the future, with benefits including zero emissions and fewer changes. They’re also more expensive than traditional vehicles. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) do not have all of the benefits of an electric vehicle, but they can be less expensive depending on which type you buy. Here are six differences between HEVs and EVs that may help you decide which is best for your needs.
1) Emissions
Electric cars produce zero emissions. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) still produce some emissions. Still, they are much lower than traditional gas-powered cars because the HEV uses a battery and an internal combustion engine to power its motor instead of just gasoline or diesel fuel. The more electricity that comes from renewable sources like wind and solar, the lower emissions will be.
2) Fuel Efficiency
Electric vehicles are the most efficient type of car. They can produce 100 percent efficiency, meaning that all horsepower put into the vehicle is delivered to the wheels, and none goes to waste as heat or noise. However, because EV batteries contain less energy than gasoline in a tank, they have lower miles per gallon ratings than gas-powered cars. HEVs have a lower MPG rating than EVs, but they can produce much better fuel efficiency when the battery is plugged in and charging.
3) Charging
Charging either type of vehicle takes time. Electric cars are charged by plugging them into an outlet, but the amount of electricity they can take in varies depending on how fast your home circuit breaker is. Most EVs have a maximum charging rate that puts out four to eight miles worth of charge per hour at 240 volts or 30 to 60 miles per hour at 120 volts. The amount of time it takes to charge a battery fully depends on its size and how much energy you want to be stored in the battery when your vehicle is not plugged into an outlet.
4) Driving Range
The driving range of EVs is constantly improving, but currently, it can be difficult to get more than 100 miles out of an electric car without recharging. When the battery runs low, you plug your vehicle in at home or wherever you are and wait for it to charge fully. HEVs have a much higher driving range because they can refuel at traditional gas stations.
5) Price
EVs are currently more expensive than traditional cars because they use advanced technology that is still new to the market. The price of this depends on whether you buy a plugin hybrid or one with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Plugin hybrids can cost as much as $11,000 more than their ICE counterparts if you do not factor in the money you can save on fuel costs and tax breaks.
6) Maintenance
EVs require little to no maintenance other than the occasional check-up or tire rotation. HEVs use both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, which means more components could potentially break down over time. Plugin hybrids have even greater potential for expensive repairs because their batteries are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
In conclusion, there are many differences between electric and hybrid vehicles, and it’s best to do proper research to find which is best for you. How you plan to drive your car will help determine which type is best for your needs, but if you want a more efficient vehicle with zero emissions that can save you money on gas or electricity costs in the long run, then an EV may be right for you.