Buying an electric or hybrid car is a choice that depends on several factors, and it is often not easy to figure out which of these two technologies is best suited to your needs. In this article we compare the main features of hybrid and electric cars, and help you figure out which might be the best choice for you.
How do hybrid and electric motors work?
The main difference between hybrid and electric cars is precisely in their engine.
Hybrid cars are in fact driven primarily by a combustion engine (always present), which, depending on the type of hybrid, can combine or be joined by an electric motor and a battery.
Electric cars, in contrast, have a fully electric powertrain, so they mount only electric motors and batteries capable of storing the energy needed to pull the vehicle.
What are the differences between mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric car
When buying a hybrid or electric car, it is important to know all the different types available on the market and their characteristics. Let’s look at the main ones to understand which type best meets our needs.
Mild hybrid
These are purely thermal-drive vehicles equipped with an electric unit called a BSG, consisting of a small electric motor and a very small battery (usually 12-48V). The electric motor does not participate in traction, but acts as a start & stop and supports the thermal powertrain by improving cue at low speeds. The battery uses energy recovered during deceleration to recharge itself.
Full hybrid
On Full Hybrids, the electric motor is positioned, like the internal combustion engine, on the drive axle so it can participate in pulling the vehicle. The two motors cannot run at the same time, so when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, such as in the city or in heavy traffic conditions, the electric motor can intervene by pulling the vehicle for a handful of kilometers and thus helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Again, the battery is very small in size (1 or 2 kWh) and is recharged only during deceleration, converting the kinetic energy created into electrical energy.
Plug-in hybrid
They are equipped with significantly larger batteries, as much as 30 kWh, making it possible to drive fully electric for significantly longer distances of up to 50-80 km. given the size of the batteries, plug-ins need to be recharged externally, so they are equipped with an on-board charger (OBC) and a Type 2 outlet for AC charging. One important note: the large battery size makes plug-in hybrids heavier than a conventional car, which results – if not used often for routes that allow them to be used primarily in electric mode or not recharged frequently – in higher consumption rather than savings. If used correctly, however, they can provide fuel consumption reductions of up to 30 percent.
Electric cars
As mentioned above, electric cars have an exclusively electric drive . This means that the range is directly related to the battery capacity and efficiency of the vehicle, which can vary significantly among different models, with some cars capable of traveling more than 500 kilometers on a single charge.
What are the maintenance costs of a hybrid car and an electric car
One of the most attractive aspects of electric cars is the generally lower maintenance cost compared to hybrid cars.
Electric cars do not have an internal combustion engine and therefore do not require, for example, oil changes, filters, or exhaust system maintenance.
Hybrid cars, having both a combustion engine and an electric engine, require maintenance for both systems. A common advantage for hybrid and electric cars that have the regenerative braking system is less wear and tear on the brakes, which tend to last longer because the regenerative braking system uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle, engaging less of the traditional mechanical brakes.
What driving range does a hybrid car offer compared to an electric car
Range is an important factor in choosing between a hybrid and an electric car.
Hybrid cars, being primarily thermally driven vehicles, generally have a longer range than an electric car, yet already the range offered by electric car batteries is reaching levels close to that of internal combustion cars.
In addition, the presence of an increasingly widespread charging network and increasingly shorter charging times have already provided a solution to the so-called “range anxiety,” one of the main concerns that can hold back people interested in switching to electric.
What are the environmental benefits of a hybrid car and an electric car
When it comes to sustainable mobility, electric cars are the most environmentally friendly solution. They do not emit exhaust gases and, when recharged with energy from renewable sources, have an extremely low environmental impact throughout their lifetime on the road (for more on this, you can find the article on our blog that discusses this topic in detail).
An additional benefit concerns noise: electric cars run quietly and help reduce noise pollution.
A hybrid car, while on average having fewer emissions than an endothermic, still cannot reach the levels of an electric car. This is because in each case hybrid cars need to burn fuel to power the endothermic engine.
What purchase incentives are available for hybrid and electric cars
Purchase bonuses are available to incentivize the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles, which can vary depending on the type of vehicle and emissions produced. These incentives can reduce the initial cost of an electric or hybrid car, making the purchase more affordable.
On June 3, the Ecobonus for 2024 became available again, allowing people to apply at their dealership for an incentive to purchase a new car. The bonus has been distributed in the different types of vehicles: about 25 percent is allocated to electric models (as of today already sold out), while more than 40 percent is reserved for those who choose low-emission hybrid and gasoline models.
For those of you considering switching to electric or hybrid, the small and large differences between these technologies may give you some headaches, but don’t worry. While the electric car is certainly the most decisive choice toward the mobility of the future, any alternative in this direction will be a step forward for your driving experience and the environment.
