What is a Hybrid Car? Hybrid Vs. Electric Cars - Types, Advantages
Automobile engineers have been developing and marketing hybrid vehicles since the late 1800s; however, due to the higher cost involved in producing it on a massive scale, its popularity in the market still remains low. But car manufacturers continue to research and develop newer hybrid technology to comply with strict emissions norms. But, what is a hybrid car? Read on to know more about the types and benefits of hybrid cars and the difference between hybrid and electric cars.
![\"What](\"https://images.ctfassets.net/uwf0n1j71a7j/7HtDPOMazsFAwSSBjjwTH7/f5c8a5794f89a2b661ee4c59eaec5ec0/what-is-hybrid-car-hybrid-vs-electric-cars.png?fm=webp&w=3840&q=75\")
![\"icon\"](\"https://www.acko.com/seo/images?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Fdropdown_up.svg&w=32&q=75\")
What is a Hybrid Car?
Hybrid cars are powered by two engines: one petrol, one electric. Both work with each other to spin the wheels. This leads to lesser petrol being burned and therefore better fuel efficiency. When compared to conventional vehicles, hybrids offer better power and fuel efficiency as they combine the benefits of high fuel efficiency and low emissions. When hybrid vehicles are cruising or while braking, the result is excess power which is used to charge the batteries. This, in turn, aids higher fuel efficiency or range.
How Do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?
Popularly referred to as hybrid cars, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) draw power from an internal combustion engine (petrol engine) and at least one electric motor. Read on to know more about how hybrid electric cars work.
Hybrid Vs. Electric Cars:
The main difference between a hybrid car and an electric car is that the hybrid combines an internal combustion engine and electric motor(s) to send power to its wheels. However, the electric car draws power from a single source of the electric motor(s) to propel the vehicle.
While hybrid cars offer better fuel efficiency or longer distances/ranges, electric vehicles are still yet to reach that potential. That said, electric vehicles pollute lower emissions compared to hybrid cars who are dependent on an internal combustion engine.
Difference Between Hybrid and Electric Cars:
| Specifications | Hybrid Cars | Electric Cars |
| Power/Fuel Source | Electricity and Fossil Fuel (Petrol and Diesel) | Electricity Through Battery Pack (DC) |
| Engine | Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Motor(s) | Electric Motor(s) |
| Fuel Efficiency | Combination of ICE and Battery Range | Depends on Battery Range |
| Emission Levels | Higher Compared to Electric Cars | Lower Compared to ICE and Hybrid Cars |
| Price Range | Similar to Conventional ICE Cars | High |
| Charging | Not Needed | Needed |
