Electrics Cars vs. PHEVs vs. Hybrid Cars: A Quick Guide

Long gone are the days when you only had to check the fuel type for new car models. If you want to buy a new car these days, you need to understand the various technical stuff. With technological advancements, diesel and petrol cars are not your only option.

If you have done some car surfing lately, you would've come across terms such as EVs, PHEVs, and hybrids. Are you wondering how these cars differ and which is the right choice for you?

Without further ado, let's understand the difference between electric, PHEVs, and hybrid cars.

Electric Cars

Typically, electric cars or EVs are battery-operated models that use rechargeable batteries. Car owners have to charge their EVs using an external power source. The difference between EVs, PHEVs, and hybrids are that electric vehicles run on 100% electricity.

There are no conventional diesel or petrol engines and tanks in these cars. The best part is that electric vehicles generate zero emissions. However, unlike PHEVs and hybrids, they are not apt for longer drives.

Pros & Cons

• No tailpipe emissions
• Quiet and smooth acceleration
• Per mile costs for EVs is far lesser than gasoline cars
• The EVs take time to recharge

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PHEVs

PHEVs stands for plug-in hybrid vehicles. These cars are gasoline-powered hybrids that use large-sized batteries. The operation of a plug-in is much like an electric vehicle. Essentially, the gasoline engine is dormant when its battery has no charge. As the battery runs out of charge, the engine comes into play.

The cars also use regenerative braking to save up on fuel. In short, you can plug it and also re-fuel it, it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Some of the best PHEV examples include the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Toyota Prius Prime, and BMW 530e.

Pros & Cons

• The car continues to run on gasoline even after draining the battery
• The state tax incentives offset high upfront costs
• They cost more than hybrid

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Hybrid Cars

A car can be hybrid if it runs on 100% gasoline, but it also relies on electric motors for propulsion. The electric motors delay the use of gasoline engines to save up on fuel. Sometimes, the car uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors for enhanced power.

The electric motors work like generators when you hit the break. The energy that the vehicle generates when you hit the brakes gets stored in a small battery for later use. Toyota Prius and Lexus RX450h are great examples of hybrid models.

Pros & Cons

• It doesn't require charging.
• Gas propulsion allows you to travel long distances
• Low upfront costs
• It doesn't offer as much energy efficiency as EVs

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So, what will it be for you – electric cars, PHEVs, or hybrid vehicles?