What Are the Similarities of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles?

Hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) have notable differences in terms of how they operate, but they share more similarities than with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Hybrids combine technology from ICE and EVs, placing them between the two types, hence the hybrid name. Here’s an overview of the features shared by hybrids and EVs and how they impact the vehicle’s operation.

Battery Packs

Hybrids and EVs both have a battery pack that’s called an e-motor. The e-motor propels both types of vehicles by powering motors that drive the wheels but has an assistive role on a hybrid. An EV relies solely on battery power, and its range is limited by the amount of charge the battery holds when it’s fully charged.

Hybrids have smaller battery packs than EVs because they are equipped with an ICE engine. The ICE engine is also on the smaller side due to the battery assist, and the battery itself is usually mounted underneath the car.

It’s worth noting that some hybrids can run on the electric motor alone but have a different range than a fully electric vehicle.

Regenerative Braking

The act of braking creates energy that’s known as kinetic energy. On an ICE engine, the kinetic energy is wasted and exhausted into the atmosphere as heat. In contrast, EVs and hybrids capture the energy and turn it into electricity that recharges the batteries. It’s a straightforward system that adds more distance to the car’s range.

The process is known as regenerative braking, which makes the electric motors run backward when the brake pedal is pressed. This action turns the electric motor into a generator that charges the batteries while driving the car. Regenerative braking alone is not strong enough to fully recharge the batteries. Still, it can deliver enough energy to make the difference between getting home and needing to find a charging station.

Plug-in Recharging

One of the biggest selling points of both vehicles is that they can be plugged into a power source for recharging. A hybrid with a plug-in is known as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and an EV is known as a plug-in vehicle (PEV). Each type can be plugged into a 120-volt home outlet the moment you get home from the dealership, but it can take up to 36 hours for the car to charge fully.

The home outlet charger, known as a Level 1 charger, exists to get you over the initial charging hump of owning a PHEV/PEV. To get faster charging times, you’ll need to have a Level 2 charger installed in your garage if you haven’t done so prior to making your purchase.

Visit Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia Today!

The EV and hybrid share many similarities, but each offers advantages the other can’t. If you regularly travel long distances, the hybrid will serve you nicely. Alternatively, if you want your vehicle to be environmentally friendly and distance isn’t an issue, an EV is your best option. Come see the latest hybrids and EVs at Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia and find out why they make sense when it comes to efficiency and driving pleasure.