Are you one of those people who’s been considering a hybrid car, but not sure if it’s worth the money? Maybe you’ve also considered an electric vehicle and now, you’re confused about which one to choose. You’re not alone – there are many people out there who feel the same way!
Hybrid cars are the best alternative for those who want to save on gas, but not at the expense of performance. Electric cars offer a great range and quick charging time, but their battery life makes them impractical for long distance travel. So, which one should you choose?
In this blog, we’ll look at some of the differences between these two types of cars today.
Hybrid Car vs Electric Car: Which is the Best Option?
What is a Hybrid Car?
Hybrid cars are a great way to maximize fuel efficiency, and they have been gaining momentum in recent years. A hybrid combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine so you can get from point A-B without breaking out into hives. In some cases, these systems work together and at other times, one does all the work while another rests quietly below its hood—but either way, there will be less consumption than it didn’t have this nifty little invention called “hybrid technology.”
The electric power in a hybrid car’s battery comes from a high-voltage battery pack that’s replenished by capturing energy lost when generating heat through braking. This means you can drive faster without worrying about running out of juice…umm…fuel we mean!
Hybrid cars are a great way to get the most out of your fuel costs. The gas engine will charge and maintain batteries while you drive, so these vehicles can go longer than traditional ones with similar ranges! You’ll find different designs used by car companies for maximum mission fulfilment – from saving money on every gallon consumed up to keeping costs low enough where anyone could purchase one.
What are the different types of hybrid cars?
1.Series Hybrid
The electric motor provides all the thrust – there’s never a physical mechanical connection between it and your wheels. This results in an enjoyable driving experience that is more indicative of what you would feel in an electric car, because vibration reduces significantly when the gasoline engine engages, typically less than 20% as much compared to conventionally powered vehicles.
The BMW i3 is a great example of how series hybrids work. The range extender allows you to use less powerful batteries when on longer trips, which increases your fuel efficiency and cuts down costs.
2.Parallel Hybrid
Hybrid cars are a great way to get all the benefits of both gas and electric engines. In parallel hybrid designs, these two power sources work together in one transmission which can be either automatic or manual depending on your preference for control over driving conditions that suit you best at any given moment.
While with push-button CVT technology, there really isn’t much difference between using an engine alone versus blending its output alongside some form IV energy source like gasoline fumes stored inside tanks comparable volumes upon demand by drivers who want more than just pure mobility but also sustainability.
The Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt are two of the most popular hybrids on today’s market. They both use power split CVT transmissions to blend their gasoline engine with an electric motor.
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3. Plug-in Hybrid
A plug-in hybrid is a great way to help save on gas costs and still get the benefits of an electric car like driving range. The battery pack, which has been added in tandem with other technologies such as regeneration (a process where excess electricity generated by braking or throttle movements are converted back into mechanical energy), makes it more efficient than any other form factor on earth today.
This modern hybrid vehicle offers drivers a greater amount of energy storage like never before. The gas tank is now replaced with an extended electric range and can significantly reduce fuel consumption by allowing you this freedom to drive up to 55 miles without the necessity for gasoline, depending on what model suits your needs best!
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Hybrids are a great way to experience the greener side of driving! They’re powered by an internal combustion engine and electric motor, which use energy stored in batteries. The vehicle cannot be plugged into charging stations because it has regenerative braking system that can juice up your battery for you as well through gas-powered engines or spinning wheels themselves if necessary. In other words, hybrid cars offer the best of both worlds – they combine the benefits of both petrol engines and electric motors. Moreover, the battery is automatically recharged when you drive. Thus, you don’t have to worry about running to a charging station!
Pros
- Lower tailpipe emissions
- Smoother & noiseless operation
- Reduced cost of operation
- Robust performance
Cons
- The purchasing cost is expensive
- Higher insurance rates
- Fuel efficiency is reduced in cold weather
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What is an Electric Car?
Electric cars, suggestive from the name itself, are vehicles having engines that function with the help of electricity and not fuel. The energy stored in the battery is utilized for functioning efficiently. In contrast to internal combustion engine vehicles or (fueled vehicles), electric cars produce zero exhaust emissions, are quieter and release lower emissions overall.
According to the reports of the International Energy Agency, among the total number of cars sold in 2020, 4.6% were plug-in electric cars and over 10 million plug-in electric cars were operating on the road by the end of that year.
in early 2020, Tesla Model 3 became the best-selling electric car in the world and it is only in June 2021, the electric car recorded 1 million sales globally.
How Do Electric Cars Work?
Electric cars or EVs (electric vehicles) do not have an internal combustion engine. Instead, they are incorporated with an electric motor. To activate the electric motor, the vehicle leverages a large traction battery pack and needs to be plugged into a charging port or a wall outlet. Since they rely on electricity for power, electric cars do not emit exhaust from the tailpipe and lack the usual fuel components like fuel line, fuel pump or fuel tank.
Driving Range
Compared to conventional vehicles, electric cars today have a shorter driving range. However, with the increasing production of new models that are integrated with high powered charging equipment, there is a significant change in the driving range of EVs. In fact, the driving range and efficiency of an electric car relies on the various driving conditions. For instance, the driving range is reduced when the outside temperatures are extreme as more energy is required to cool down or warm up the engine.
Electric cars function more efficiently in cities than on highways. This is because driving conditions in cities include more frequent stops that amplify the advantages of regenerative braking. On the other hand, highway travel requires overcoming drags at higher speeds. Therefore, it involves the utilization of more energy.
The driving range is also reduced when there is rapid acceleration, when driving on certain inclines or transporting heavy loads.
Pros
- No gas or fuel required
- Easy to charge
- No emissions
- Safe to drive
- Low maintenance
- Helps to save money
Cons
- Need to find a charging station
- Higher electricity bills
- Short driving range & speed
- Requires battery replacement every 3-10 years
Hybrid cars and electric vehicles are two types of alternative fuel vehicles, but they work in very different ways. Do you know which type is best for your needs? If not, we can help! Let us analyze your driving habits and suggest the car that would be perfect for you. Looking for the right car mechanic in Melbourne? Post a request on Swezo today and get connected with qualified professionals who will give you an honest assessment of what’s wrong (and how much it’ll cost) before any repairs begin.
