Hybrid Vehicle vs. Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicle | Green Vehicle Shopping Advice

We’ve decoded the difference between various types of electric vehicles (EV). Below is a list of different kinds of hybrids and EVs and their pros and cons.

Mild Hybrid

The simplest and most cost-effective way of adding electric drivetrain components to a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is known as a Mild hybrid.

Advantages

1. Powers many of the car’s electrical systems
2. Fuel saved because of the stop-start system
3. Lowers turbo lag by torque-filling until the engine comes on boost
4. Lighter in weight when compared to other electric vehicles
5. Less complexity
6. Lower in cost

Disadvantages

1. Increased cost and complexity when compared to internal combustion-only engines
2. No mode to go full-EV

Examples

1. Audi Q8
2. Mercedes-Benz CLS450 / AMG CLS53
3. Ram 1500

Series Hybrid

Also known as power split or parallel hybrid – a Series Hybrid is what most people think of when they think of a hybrid vehicle.

Advantages

1. Superb efficiency at around-town speeds
2. ICE powered by gasoline for longer range and journeys
3. A good compromise between efficiency, usability and overall cost

Disadvantages

1. More expensive than a purely ICE-driven vehicle of the same size
2. Maximizing efficiency results in reducing power output

Examples

1. Honda Insight
2. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
3. Toyota Prius

Plug-In Hybrid

The next logical step forward from the series hybrid system is the Plug-in Hybrid. With the ability to go longer distances on electric power alone, the plug-in hybrids can move closer to the fully electric vehicle. The term “plug-in” refers to the car’s capability to be plugged into an electric car charging station.

Advantages

1. The better range over battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to gasoline engines that can extend the range
2. Cheaper when compared to BEVs
3. Low maintenance cost when compared to series hybrids

Disadvantages

1. Costlier to buy than series hybrids or mild hybrids
2. Larger battery packs result in more weight
3. More complex in-process and functioning than mild hybrids

Examples

1. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2. Land Rover Range Rover P400e
3. Mercedes-Benz GLC350e 4matic

Battery Electric

Battery electric vehicles are exactly what they sound like: A big battery with at least one electric drive motor connected to it.

Advantages

1. Less maintenance than ICE, thanks to mechanical simplicity
2. Loaded with instant torque
3. Doesn’t emit noise pollution
4. Electricity can work out to be cheaper than fuel, for now
5. Lack of tailpipe results in no emissions and no emissions testing.
6. Better vehicle handling due to low center of gravity

Disadvantages

1. Pretty expensive than similar size series hybrids or ICE vehicles
2. The range can be limited
3. Charging the car can take up a lot of time
4. Charging infrastructure will take some time
5. Impractical for most people who cannot charge at home/office
6. Heavier than similarly sized vehicles

Examples

1. Chevrolet Bolt EV
2. Nissan Leaf
3. Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

A fuel cell takes hydrogen and oxidizes it to create an electrical charge, which is then channeled into a battery to be used by electric motors in cars.

Advantages

1. All you need is hydrogen
2. Silent operation
3. Only water is emitted

Disadvantages

1. Hydrogen prices are not stable and fluctuate regularly, often more expensive than fossil fuels.
2. Poor infrastructure of refueling networks outside cities.
3. Hydrogen tanks can take up a lot of passenger space or cargo room if the vehicle wasn’t designed from the ground up for fuel cells.

Examples

1. Honda Clarity FCV
2. Toyota Mirai
3. Hyundai Nexo