Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, Electric Vehicle – What’s the Difference?

Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more popular among car buyers and many brands are leaning towards electrification. With that said, there are a few different types of cars that don’t completely rely on a gas powered engine, here’s the difference.

What is a Hybrid Car?

Honda CR-V Hybrid

A Hybrid Vehicle is a vehicle that is fueled 100% by gasoline but does not only rely on its gasoline engine. Along with the gasoline engine, Hybrid models also have an electric motor that can power the car in order to delay the use of gas and save fuel. Sometimes both systems will work together for added power.

The electric motor in a Hybrid model functions as a generator when the brake is pressed. The energy that is regenerated while braking is stored in a small battery for immediate use the next time the gas is pressed from rest, so Hybrid models do not need to be charged.

What is a Plug-In Hybrid Car?

Kia Sorento PHEV

A Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) is a gasoline-powered vehicle with a much larger battery that recharges using an external power source. A PHEV behaves much like an Electric Vehicle with the gasoline engine remaining mostly dormant when the battery is charged.

The gas-powered engine comes to life when the battery runs out, allowing the vehicle to continue uninterrupted. PHEVs also use regenerative braking to save fuel. The main difference between a Hybrid and a PHEV is that you can charge and fill up a PHEV, the best of both worlds.

What is an Electric Vehicle?

Mustang Mach-E

An Electric Vehicle (EV) has a battery that is large enough and an electric motor that is strong enough to deliver adequate range and performance without an engine or gas tank. So, EVs do not run on any type of gas, they are 100% powered by the electric motor and battery. Charging stations have started to pop up all over so charging an EV can be done at home and on the go. Some EVs even have a navigation system that will specifically cater your route to nearby charging stations. Also, with the lack of a gas engine, some manufactures will turn the front of the vehicle into even more storage space, recently being referred to a “frunk” or a front trunk.