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

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

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car is a car that is 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 vehicle (HEV), also called electric hybrid

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

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

The battery in a plug-in hybrid is the most powerful among hybrid cars and is charged with a cable. The battery in a plug-in hybrid can drive the car entirely on electricity for longer distances (typically 50-100 km) and at higher speeds compared to other categories. This 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. Mild hybrid technology is primarily about fuel economy, but it also offers the advantage of smoother propulsion of the car.

What type of car is right for me?

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

Who is an electric car suitable for?

Even if you drive long distances every day (around 100-200 kilometers), an electric car may be right for 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 your car in your everyday life, an electric car could still work for you, provided you don't drive that many miles daily. At fast charging stations, you can charge about 80 percent of the battery's capacity in just 30 minutes.

Who is a plug-in hybrid suitable for?

A plug-in hybrid comes into its own if it can be charged frequently, so that most of the driving is done on electricity. If you drive a lot both in urban environments and on the highway, a plug-in hybrid is something for you. Then you can drive on electricity in the city and when you make longer trips over 300-500 kilometers you will still get there because it runs on fuel when the battery runs out.

Who is an electric hybrid suitable for?

If you don't have a charging option in your everyday life but still want to reduce your CO2 emissions, a hybrid car could be something for you. Since the electric motor and battery take the strain off the combustion engine, your fossil footprint is reduced, compared to a fully fossil-powered car.

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