What are the differences between a hybrid and an electric car?

You have probably heard a lot about hybrids and electric cars. Both types of vehicle can be more efficient than a conventional petrol or diesel car, reducing emissions and potentially saving you money.

Here, we will focus on the fundamental differences between a hybrid and an electric car, along with the pros and cons of each.

Cutting to the chase, an electric car offers zero tailpipe emissions, while a hybrid uses a petrol or diesel engine for its primary means of propulsion.

Just to confuse matters, there are two types of hybrid: standard or plug-in hybrid. A standard hybrid might be referred to as a ‘self-charging’ hybrid (Toyota and Lexus often use this term), while a plug-in may be called a ‘PHEV’ (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

The main difference between the two is that in a hybrid, the electric motor is there to increase efficiency, improve fuel economy and provide a small amount of electric range. We’re talking really small, though – typically a mile or so.

As the name suggests, a plug-in hybrid can be plugged in to provide anything between 30 and 80 miles of electric range. Once this range has been used up, the combustion engine takes over.

We like to think of a standard hybrid, such as the Toyota Corolla pictured above, as a worthy alternative to a diesel car – particularly now that issues such as particulate emissions have led diesels to fall from favour.

Meanwhile, a plug-in hybrid is a good halfway-house between a conventional car and an electric vehicle. Depending on the length of your commute or school run, it’s quite possible to complete your daily journeys solely in electric mode if you charge up regularly at home. Then you can save the petrol or diesel engine for longer weekend trips.

However, you must recharge the batteries in order for a plug-in hybrid to make sense. If you don’t, you’re simply lugging around a heavy battery pack, which will actually have a detrimental impact on fuel economy.

Take some Korea’s advice

Let’s consider the Hyundai Kona (pictured above in Kona Electric guise). It’s offered with three different powertrains: petrol, standard (non-plug-in) hybrid and electric, which are priced as below:

• Kona petrol: From £26,040
• Kona Hybrid: From £30,585
• Kona Electric: From £34,995

The 100hp 1.0-litre petrol version is the least expensive, partly because it features the least sophisticated technology. The 1.6-litre Kona Hybrid develops 141hp, while the Kona Electric is available in two formats: a 48kWh battery with 156hp, and a 65kWh battery with 218hp. We’ll use the 48kWh version for comparison here, as it’s the closest to the other cars in terms of price.

Electric cars are generally more expensive than combustion or hybrid models, but things are starting to change. Relatively affordable electric cars include the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208 and MG4.

You’ll be lucky to get a mile of pure electric range out of the Kona Hybrid, because the electric motor is there to support the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

The EV’s range of 234 miles is reasonable, although this increases up to a potential 319 miles if you spend £3,600 on upgrading to the bigger 65kWh battery.

CO2 emissions and fuel economy

• Kona petrol: 131g/km and 48.7mpg
• Kona Hybrid: 106/gkm and 60.1mpg
• Kona Electric: 0g/km and N/A

The Hybrid offers lower fuel bills and road tax than the petrol version, although it costs more to start with. The electric car is the only one to offer zero emissions (if you charge using renewable electricity).

Performance (0-62mph and top speed)

• Kona petrol: 13.3 sec / 105mph
• Kona Hybrid: 11.2 sec / 103mph
• Kona Electric: 8.8 sec / 101mph

Performance figures might be less important for a family car like this, but it’s worth noting that electric cars offer smooth and immediate acceleration, making them great for driving in the city.

All versions of the Kona are easy and enjoyable to drive, but the pace of the electric car sets it apart. Some EVs, such as the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan, can offer performance to rival a supercar.

Hybrid and electric cars: a summary

Price, range, emissions and performance are just some of the things you should consider when deciding whether to buy a conventional car, a hybrid or an EV.

Remember that in a regular hybrid you CANNOT plug-in, with a plug-in hybrid you SHOULD plug-in, and in an electric car you MUST plug-in.

One thing is for certain: fully electric cars are getting better with every passing year. Today, they offer the range, practicality and price to make them a realistic prospect for an increasing number of people.

By continuing to browse the pages of Motoring Electric, you can discover if an electric car is right for you.

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