With electric vehicles (EV) and a variety of hybrid model cars becoming more common over the course of recent automotive history, it can be confusing or overwhelming to discern the differences between each type of vehicle. Whether it’s a plug-in hybrid, fully electric vehicle, or another type of hybrid car, a better understanding of each vehicle and its basic features can help you stay informed about the most recent wave of vehicle technology and make the best choice for you if you’re considering purchasing a new car. We’ve broken down the basics of each type of hybrid and electric vehicle, as well as differences in the way hybrid and electric vehicles are designed and function.
With the recent rush to become more environmentally friendly, there have been a variety of new types of vehicles and propulsion systems entering the market every year. Tesla may be the best-known manufacturer of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Kia, VW, and more are quickly joining the hybrid and electric car market. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and BEVs generally enjoy greater efficiency, conserve more energy overall, and can reduce carbon emissions and our dependency on fossil fuels. Hybrid Electric Vehicles use a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and feature a high-voltage battery and electric motor. These types of vehicle depend on a combination of these two power sources to keep your car moving. Battery electric vehicles are powered using only a high-voltage battery and motor and have no fuel source or internal combustion engine. Not only are HEVs and BEVs better for clean air conditions and reduced emissions, but some government programs or discounts may be available for those who switch to a HEV or BEV, which could also explain the rise in purchases over the past few years.
With the rise in popularity of all hybrid and electric vehicles, it can be hard to discern each type, as well as their benefits and disadvantages. Understanding the types of hybrid cars, and how they differ from electric vehicles can not only help you stay up to date with the changing car market, but may also give you direction if you’re shopping for a new electric vehicle. There are a variety of hybrid cars, and although they are aptly named, there are small intricacies that make each different from one another. To better understand these differences, we'll provide a more thorough explanation of the types of HEVs and BEVs and their differences, including full hybrid, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, as well as battery electric vehicles.
Full-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FHEV)
A full-hybrid car, or fully hybrid electric vehicle, uses both an electric motor and combustion engine, which can operate individually or together depending on the design of your vehicle. As opposed to plug-in hybrid vehicles, a full hybrid requires you to fill your car with fuel to drive most distances. A full hybrid will normally use its electric motor for speeds under 15 miles per hour, and when operating the vehicle demands more power, the combustion engine is activated. Some hybrids today can run up to 50 miles on an electric charge alone, but the combustion engine will be required to take over when this charge is depleted. In short, full hybrid vehicles perform similarly to electric vehicles at lower speeds and act as if they have a combustion engine at higher speeds. When a full hybrid’s electric battery dies, instead of recharging seen in other hybrids and fully electric vehicles, your car’s combustion motor will help recharge the hybrid battery to use for electric propulsion as needed. Even though you’re still using fuel, full-hybrid cars help reduce fuel consumption overall, and can benefit drivers that make long-distance trips often.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV)
A mild hybrid car, sometimes referred to as a 48-volt (48V) hybrid, uses a combustion engine to power the car and move its wheels, as well as an electric motor for quicker acceleration using less fuel. It should be made clear that a mild hybrid does not generate enough power to run on electric energy alone, but it does help complement a vehicle’s combustion engine when accelerating from a stop. A mild hybrid uses kinetic energy from the brake pads and the friction created during braking, also known as regenerative braking, to generate and store power. Not only does this model utilize energy that would otherwise be lost, but its design also decreases CO2 emissions and increases fuel economy. By using a 48-volt battery in place of a standard 12-volt power source, a mild-hybrid car is the least electrically powered of all hybrid vehicles, but still utilizes electric power to boost performance and efficiency. Like a full hybrid, mild-hybrid cars do not need to be recharged manually, since the vehicle generates and stores energy while driving.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
A plug-in hybrid differs from other hybrids in that it must be plugged in to charge its electric battery. Equipped with a combustion motor and electric motor similar to other hybrids, a plug-in hybrid features a larger electric battery. Since they are equipped with a larger battery and subsequently provide longer-distance performance, plug-in hybrid cars will need to be plugged into a charging station with a cord designed for the vehicle when not in use for complete and proper recharging. Although they use the same technology as FHEVs, a plug-in hybrid vehicle normally differs in size, price, and battery capacity. Plug-in hybrids are also unique in the fact that they can run in electric mode or can be powered by their combustion engine instead of reserving the electric power for certain speeds or distances like a full or mild hybrid.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
Battery electric vehicles — often called electric vehicles or EVs — run solely on battery power stored in battery packs. An electric vehicle uses the power from these battery packs to drive an electric motor which often offers more consistent and powerful acceleration, and also requires no power at “idle” like combustion engines. Rather than stopping by a gas station to fuel up, owners of a fully-electric vehicle can visit a charging station to ‘refuel’ their car’s battery power, and typically will also have a dedicated charging station in their garage to charge their vehicles when not in use. Most larger cities have begun introducing electric vehicle charging stations that allow you to charge the batteries when you’re not near your personal charging station. On average, a fully electric vehicle can take anywhere from 30 minutes or 7 to 12 hours, depending on the age, model, and battery size of your vehicle. Charging stations are also more consistently being built into the infrastructure of parking lots and other facilities to allow you to charge your EV while you shop. Unlike hybrid cars, if your electric vehicle’s battery dies, it will no longer run and you could find yourself in an unsafe situation until you are able to recharge it. On the plus side, not only can you eliminate the need for fuel with an EV — reducing carbon emissions — but electric vehicles also run quieter and provide more seamless acceleration and performance at any speed thanks to their electric motors.
Alternative fuel vehicles like full-electric cars, or plug-in, mild, and full-hybrid vehicles are rising in popularity, and for good reason. It’s safe to say that vehicles that can use electric energy are more sustainable, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and conserve fuel usage, and contribute fewer carbon emissions to the environment. O’Reilly Auto Parts has a variety of replacement car parts, hybrid car batteries, as well as the appearance and maintenance products you may need to keep your HEV or BEV looking and running its best.