Learn the Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles (EV) and Hybrid Vehicles (HEV)

EnterKnow : If you're weighing your options for more fuel-efficient cars on the market, you might consider both electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. EVs and hybrids attempt to move away from the use of an internal combustion engine to save owners money on fuel and reduce overall emissions from burning fuel. Both types of vehicles have their benefits as well as their drawbacks. The technology is newer, so the infrastructure for electric cars is a work in progress, and maintenance for more complex battery systems can be expensive.

HYBRID VEHICLE (HEV)
Hybrid vehicles are a combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a rechargeable electric vehicle. They have both a traditional gasoline or diesel engine and an electric motor with a suitable battery pack, which can also function as an EV to charge the battery . Hybrid vehicles receive power from both types of engines (gasoline and electric) or just one for optimal power depending on the user's driving style.

There are two main types of hybrids: Standard Hybrids (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) . Standard hybrids are also divided into Mild Hybrids and Full Hybrids, each of which differs in the combination of electric vehicle technologies:

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Mild hybrids add small levels of electrical components to an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)-powered vehicle. When coasting or coming to a complete stop, such as at a stoplight, the ICE of a mild hybrid can shut down completely, especially if it is carrying a light load. The ICE restarts itself and the vehicle's electrical components help power the comfort systems and, in some models, regenerative braking and power assist. However, it can never run entirely on electric power.

Advantages: Mild hybrids can save on fuel costs, are relatively lightweight, and cost less than other hybrids.

Cons: They still cost more than ICE-only cars to buy and repair, and lack the functionality of a full EV.

A basic Full Hybrid is one that has an electric motor and a larger battery pack, the electric motor can or can function independently. Full Hybrids come in parallel, power-split, series, or combined configurations. The basic uses a small internal combustion engine and an electric motor powerful enough to power the vehicle at the appropriate speed. Full Hybrids achieve a balance of optimal ICE performance and fuel efficiency by only activating the engine when it will work best.

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Pros: Great for city driving, Full hybrids use only gasoline for faster, longer driving and are often very affordable in terms of fuel efficiency and price.

Disadvantages: Due to the complexity of the electrical components, Full hybrids are still more expensive than conventional vehicles of the same size and often have reduced power.

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids are an upgrade from Full Hybrids that are capable of being charged at electric vehicle charging stations. Although they still have an ICE and use regenerative braking for battery power, they can drive longer distances powered by the electric motor. They also have larger battery packs than standard hybrids, making them heavier but allowing them to use electric power to their advantage and have a greater overall driving range.

Pros: Plug-ins have extended range compared to battery-powered cars because of the addition of a gasoline engine, are cheaper to buy than most EVs, and cheaper to run than standard hybrids.

Cons: They still cost more to buy than standard hybrids and traditional ICE cars, and weigh more than standard hybrids with larger battery packs.

General expenses
Fuel: Since hybrids run on fuel as well as electricity, there are still fossil fuel costs that can be limited depending on driving style. Hybrids can switch from electric to fuel power, giving them an extended range in certain situations. For example, a driver is more likely to run out of electricity before running out of gas.
Maintenance: Hybrids retain all the maintenance issues that ICE car owners face, in addition to the risk of battery replacement costs . They can be more cost-effective when it comes to gas prices, but have similar maintenance costs to traditional cars.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)

According to Seth Leitman, an electric vehicle expert, the latest generation “offers zero-emission vehicles with enhanced power, range, and safety.” EVs are powered by a large battery with at least one wired electric drive motor and a complex software system to manage the battery. They are less mechanically complex than ICEs but more complex in battery design . EVs have a higher all-electric range than plug-ins but do not have extended gasoline-powered range.

Advantages: EVs have low maintenance costs due to their structural simplicity and offer near-silent operation, low-cost electric fuel options (including home charging) and zero emissions.

Cons: Still a work in progress, EVs are expensive and limited in range with long charging times. Owners need a home charger, and the overall environmental impact of used batteries is unknown.

General expenses
Fuel: Electric cars save owners money on fuel costs as long as they have a home charging station. Electricity is currently cheaper than gasoline, and the electricity required to charge a car goes into a household’s electricity bill.
Maintenance: Many maintenance costs for traditional cars are irrelevant to EV owners due to the lack of an internal combustion engine. However, owners still need to watch their tires, their insurance, and any accidental damage. EV batteries can also be very expensive to replace if they degrade past the vehicle’s battery warranty period.
SHOULD I BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR OR A HYBRID CAR?
Choosing between an electric car or a hybrid is a personal choice, which is largely dependent on your driving style. Electric cars do not offer the same benefits to frequent long-distance drivers as plug-in hybrids, or even internal combustion engine cars. Tax benefits and rebates apply to both EVs and hybrids. Both reduce emissions and cut down on the use of petrol engines, but there are pros and cons to both types of cars. The choice depends on your driving needs.