Exploring the Differences Between Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and All-Electric Vehicles

What are the major differences between the electrified vehicles we see on the roads today? Let’s take a look with some pros and cons are for each vehicle type.

We have three types of electrified powertrains available in today’s automotive market, and you should know what each vehicle type includes. Hybrid cars have been around for quite a while, and the Toyota Prius has become the most popular hybrid model in the market. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have an all-electric driving range to increase fuel savings over hybrids, while all-electric vehicles only use an electric powertrain.

Here are some pros, cons, and differences between these three vehicle types.

Hybrid Vehicles: The simple approach

A traditional hybrid vehicle has an electric motor positioned somewhere in the powertrain. Typically, it’s located between the engine and transmission and runs on a small battery pack. This electric motor adds power to the system, enabling the car to operate efficiently using a small engine.

Pros

• Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid vehicles are more efficient than gas-only counterparts
• Quiet operation: The hybrid system reduces the engine noise and time the gas engine operates
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking, which saves on some maintenance costs

Cons

• Battery Replacement: The main battery pack will eventually need to be replaced, which is not something you face with a gas-powered vehicle
• MPG Benefits in the City: If you spend most of your time driving on the highway, a hybrid vehicle doesn’t save much on gas
• Less Exciting to Drive: If you drive a hybrid vehicle for efficiency, it’s not nearly as much fun to drive as a gas-powered model

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: The best of both worlds

A plug-in hybrid vehicle brings the combination of a hybrid and an electric vehicle together in one model. PHEVs have a larger electric battery pack than traditional hybrids but also have a gas engine to provide a traditional driving experience. These vehicles have a quoted electric driving range, which is typically enough for most people to handle running around town after work. Once the electric batteries are depleted, the gas engine kicks in and handles the rest of the drive until the batteries are recharged.

Pros

• • Driving Costs: Electricity costs less than gasoline, and if you can do most of your driving in the electric range, you’ll save money on fuel.
  • Reduce Carbon Footprint: A PHEV uses less gas and more electricity than a hybrid, which reduces your carbon footprint
  • Tax Break: PHEVs qualify for a portion of the Federal EV Tax Credit to reduce the cost when you buy this vehicle type

Cons

• • • Up-Front Costs: Most PHEVs cost more than gas-powered vehicles. The added tech makes them more costly.
    • Complexity: More moving parts means more potential for issues. The two-part drivetrain costs more to repair than a traditional gas-powered vehicle
    • Unknown Resale Value: The PHEV market is new, and most models haven’t been traded yet, which means we aren’t sure about the deprecation or resale value of these vehicles

All-Electric Vehicles: No gas to be had here

All-electric vehicles are completely different from hybrids and plug-in hybrids because these vehicles only use electricity to drive the wheels. The market is abuzz with new EVs that offer futuristic and exciting driving experiences. You can save a lot of money with an EV, but the initial costs are much greater than traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Pros

• • • Lower Fuel Costs: Electricity is much more affordable than gasoline, which means you’ll spend a lot more to fuel an EV than other vehicle types.
    • Quick Acceleration: If you’re looking for a vehicle that rockets off the line faster than any others, you’ll want an all-electric vehicle. These vehicles use the entire torque range immediately for quick acceleration.
    • Less Maintenance and Repairs: EVs have fewer moving parts than any other vehicle type, which translates to lower maintenance costs and less frequent repairs.

Cons

• • • Driving Range: Most EVs have limited driving ranges, and only 70% of that range is actually useful if you intend to use a DC Fast-Charging station to power the batteries in your EV.
    • Unreliable Fast Chargers: Some charging companies built their network of charging stations without a plan to maintain them. This has led to some unreliable locations, which can leave you in a lurch.
    • Home Charging Costs: Most automakers offer a free Level 2 charger with an EV purchase or lease, but to install this charger, you must have a dedicated 240-volt outlet, which most homes don’t have.

The differences and pros and cons for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric vehicles can lead you to the right alternative-fuel vehicle to drive. Which vehicle type is right for you?