Hybrid cars - what is the difference between a plug-in hybrid and an electric hybrid?

What exactly is a hybrid car and what can be good to have with you when buying a hybrid car? We help you sort out the concepts!

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car is a car powered by a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The concept of hybrid cars today includes three main categories:

• Hybrids (Hybrid Electric Vehicles - HEVs)

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - PHEV

• Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

Hybrid car (HEV), also called electric hybrid

A hybrid car (HEV) has a built-in battery that is charged by the internal combustion engine and when braking. The battery pack drives an electric motor that primarily functions as an additional power source in combination with the internal combustion engine. However, the electric motor alone can drive the car for short distances at low speeds.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

The plug-in hybrid's battery is the most powerful among hybrid cars and is charged by cable. The battery in a plug-in hybrid can drive the car entirely on electricity for longer (normally 5-10 miles) and at higher speeds compared to other categories. It is most common with gasoline-powered plug-in hybrids, but there are also some diesel models.

Mild Hybrid (MHEV)

Mild hybrids combine a combustion engine with a battery that provides extra power from a smaller electric motor. However, this electric motor cannot drive the car alone. The mild hybrid technology is mainly about fuel saving, but also means advantages in that the propulsion of the car becomes smoother.

What type of car suits me?

The type of fuel your next car should have depends on how much you drive, where you drive and your charging options.

For whom is an electric car suitable?

Even if you drive long distances (around 10-20 miles) every day, an electric car may suit you if you have the opportunity to install a charging box at home or if you can charge at your workplace.

If you don't have the opportunity to charge the car in your everyday life, an electric car would still work for you, provided you don't drive that many miles daily. At fast charging stations, you can charge approximately 80 percent of the battery's capacity in just 30 minutes.

For whom is a plug-in hybrid suitable?

A plug-in hybrid comes into its own if it can be charged frequently, so that most of the driving is on electricity. If you drive a lot both in urban environments and on country roads, a plug-in hybrid is something for you. Then you can drive on electricity in the city and when you make longer trips over 30-50 miles you will still get there because it runs on fuel when the battery runs low.

For whom is an electric hybrid suitable?

If you don't have the possibility of charging in your everyday life but still want to reduce your CO2 emissions, a hybrid car could be something for you. Because the electric motor and the battery relieve the internal combustion engine, your fossil footprint is reduced, compared to a completely fossil-powered car.

In addition, it also shows in your wallet because a hybrid car often has lower taxes and less fuel consumption compared to its fossil friend.