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What is the difference between plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles?

by Robert Beas - Posted 1 year ago

We'll be discussing the difference between plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, but there are still many people who are confused about the different types of electric vehicles.


Let's start with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also known as PHEVs. These vehicles have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The electric motor is powered by a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging it into an external power source. The gasoline engine is used to supplement the electric motor when the battery runs low or when the driver needs more power.


So, does that mean that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can run solely on electricity?

Yes, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can run on electricity alone for a certain distance, usually around 20-50 miles, depending on the model. After that, the gasoline engine kicks in to provide additional power. This means that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are not completely emission-free, but they do emit less carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline vehicles.


What about fully electric vehicles? How do they differ from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?

Fully electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles or BEVs, are powered entirely by electricity. They don't have a gasoline engine, and instead, they rely solely on a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor. This means that fully electric vehicles don't produce any emissions directly from the vehicle, but the emissions from the electricity generation may still be present.


So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of electric vehicle?

One advantage of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is that they offer a longer driving range than fully electric vehicles, since the gasoline engine can provide additional power. They also don't require as much infrastructure to support them, since they can be fueled at any gas station. However, they do emit some greenhouse gases, which may not be ideal for people who are looking for a completely emissions-free vehicle.

Fully electric vehicles, on the other hand, offer zero emissions and lower operating costs since electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline. They also provide a smoother and quieter ride due to their electric motors. However, they have a limited driving range and require charging infrastructure to be built to support them. Additionally, they may take longer to recharge compared to filling up a gas tank.


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