When shopping for a hybrid car, you may find two different types available: traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Both are designed to save fuel and reduce emissions, but they have unique differences that can affect your decision. In this article, we will explore how these two types of hybrid differ from each other.
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration, helps recharge the battery pack during deceleration, and can power the car at low speeds. A hybrid car is more fuel-efficient than a traditional gasoline-only car because the gasoline engine runs less often.
What is a plug-in hybrid car?
A plug-in hybrid car, also known as a PHEV, is similar to a traditional hybrid but with the added feature of a larger battery pack that can be charged by plugging the car into an electrical outlet. The battery pack is larger than a traditional hybrid’s battery pack and can propel the car for longer distances on electric power alone. Most plug-in hybrids can travel 20-30 miles on electricity before the gasoline engine takes over.
Battery pack size
One of the biggest differences between a plug-in hybrid and a traditional hybrid is the size of the battery pack. A traditional hybrid’s battery pack is relatively small and can only store enough electric power to assist the gasoline engine. That’s why a traditional hybrid can only travel a short distance on electricity alone. On the other hand, a plug-in hybrid’s battery pack is larger and can store more electric power, which means it can travel farther on electricity alone.
Charging the battery
Another difference between a plug-in hybrid and a traditional hybrid is how the battery is charged. A traditional hybrid’s battery is charged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking. The gasoline engine powers a generator, which sends electricity back to the battery pack when the car is coasting or braking. The battery is never fully charged, and the gasoline engine must run periodically to keep the battery from running out of power.
A plug-in hybrid’s battery can be charged by plugging the car into an electrical outlet. This means the battery can be fully charged before driving, allowing for longer electric-only driving ranges. It also means the battery can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, reducing emissions even further.
Electric-only driving range
A plug-in hybrid can travel farther on electric power alone than a traditional hybrid. Most plug-in hybrids can travel 20-30 miles on electricity alone, while a traditional hybrid can only travel a short distance on battery power alone. This means a plug-in hybrid can be driven for short distances without using any gasoline, reducing emissions and saving money on fuel costs.
Performance
Plug-in hybrids have more powerful electric motors and battery packs than traditional hybrids. This means they can accelerate faster and have higher top speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine provides additional power when needed, making a plug-in hybrid more versatile than a traditional hybrid.
Cost
Plug-in hybrids are generally more expensive than traditional hybrids because they have larger battery packs and more complex technology. However, they can offer significant fuel savings and tax incentives. Some states and municipalities offer incentives to buyers of plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as tax credits, reduced registration fees, or access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Conclusion
A plug-in hybrid and a traditional hybrid are both good choices for reducing fuel costs and emissions, but they have unique differences that can affect your decision. A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery pack, can travel farther on electricity alone, and can be charged using an electrical outlet. They may be more expensive, but they offer more versatility in terms of electric-only driving range and overall performance. A traditional hybrid is less expensive, but can only travel short distances on electricity alone. Ultimately, the decision between a plug-in hybrid and a traditional hybrid comes down to personal preference and driving habits.