What Is The Difference Between Hybrid, Plug-In and Full EV?

GMC Hummer plugged up at a Charging station through EVGo

You might have heard the term “electrification” thrown around quite a bit in recent times, but the people using the words don’t always take the time to explain what they’re talking about. The truth is that the word electrification can mean a number of things when we’re talking about vehicles, so it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of each. The thing to remember is that electrification refers to a vehicle that relies at least partially on a battery and an electric motor. Electric vehicles are obviously part of the conversation, but we could also refer to hybrids or plug-in hybrids.

The vehicle ownership experience is different with each, and there are pros and cons, depending on your needs, where you live, and your budget. Despite the growing popularity of EVs and hybrids, they are still more expensive than their gas-only counterparts, and being an owner can be a huge hassle, depending on where you live. We’ve broken down the highlights of each vehicle type here to help you get a feel for what electrified vehicles are and the ups and downs of each.

Electric Vehicles

With no gasoline in use at all, EVs completely rely on charging and electricity for propulsion. Today’s EVs have batteries that offer range estimates of several hundred miles in some cases, and the fastest-charging models can recover significant portions of their driving range in just a few minutes. Because they do not use gas and must visit a charging station, EVs are not the best choice for people living in rural areas or without the ability to charge at home. The national charging infrastructure is set to improve significantly in the coming years, but the current state is one of hard-to-locate, unreliable chargers.

Electric Vehicle Pros

· EVs are quiet and powerful
· Charging is typically cheaper than buying fuel
· Maintenance is often less expensive because there are fewer moving parts
· Zero-emissions driving

Electric Vehicle Cons

· Relying on public charging can be a challenge
· EVs tend to be more of an initial investment than other vehicle types
· Charging takes far longer than filling with fuel
· Apartments and condos often lack the ability to install chargers

Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, bridge the gap between hybrids and EVs by offering a limited but usable electric range and a gas engine. Some models have up to 40 miles or more of electric driving range before their gas engines kick in. For many owners with shorter commutes, this can mean a nearly gas station-free experience if they can charge at home between trips. Of course, not everyone wants to take the time to charge, and PHEVs’ batteries are heavier than hybrids, so if they’re not regularly charged, they tend to be less efficient than regular hybrids.

PHEV Pros

· Electric range can mean no gas for many drivers
· PHEVs function as a traditional hybrid after the battery range is exhausted
· Many models are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit
· Cheaper than pure EVs

PHEV Cons

· PHEVs require charging to realize their full efficiency potential
· Larger batteries can cut into interior space
· PHEVs tend to be more of an initial investment than regular hybrids

Hybrids

Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Sedan

Hybrid vehicles have smaller batteries and offer fuel economy benefits without stepping into the realm of electric driving range. Their electric motors supplement the gas engines to take some of the load off, but the motor is not capable of operating at higher speeds and for extended periods. That gives hybrids their best fuel economy in town, where the constant stop-start driving can drain gas mileage for non-hybrids. Many automakers also offer mild hybrids, which replace the traditional starter with an electric motor that can boost power and enable the gas engine to shut off for coasting in specific situations.

Hybrid Pros

· Hybrids offer much-improved fuel economy over traditional gas cars
· Fueling is no different than for gas models
· Electric motors can improve performance in addition to conserving fuel
· Hybrids do not require charging

Hybrid Cons

· Some hybrids lack high-level performance specifications that many people enjoy in a vehicle
· Hybrids are more of an initial investment than gas models

If you’re looking for an electrified car, there’s no better place than Ewing Buick GMC. We have a great selection, and our knowledgeable staff will have you loving your new ride in no time.