With the impact of burning fossil fuels on the environment and its contribution to global warming increasing, people have become aware and more conscious of their carbon footprint. The world has experienced a drastic change and overall started to lean towards more clean and renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy and hydro-power.

On a microscale, the use of fuel engines in cars, trains and other vehicles has a role to play in the impact of burning fossil fuels. The market for low- and zero-emission vehicles has expanded greatly in recent years. As we become increasingly aware of the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, electric and hybrid cars have become more popular as alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Both hybrid and electric vehicles have lower pollutants and better fuel economy, making them more environmentally responsible choices. As a result, there is now more of a demand for these kinds of cars, which has prompted more manufacturers to create and market electric and hybrid versions. Governments all across the world have also implemented incentives and rules, such as tax credits and low-emissions zones, to promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. As a consequence, buyers may now purchase electric and hybrid vehicles at lower prices. The driving range and recharge durations of electric cars have also improved as a result of technological breakthroughs, making them a more useful alternative for daily usage.

When shopping for an eco-friendly, low or zero-emission car, there is a possibility that you are stuck wondering which option is better and which one you should choose. Both types of cars offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, but there are some key differences between them. In this article, we will discuss the difference between hybrid vehicles and all-electric vehicles and the one to choose.

What is an electric car (All-electric EV)?

As the name implies all-electric vehicles, also known as electric cars, refer to cars that do not rely on fossil fuels to be powered. Electric vehicles (EVs) are automobiles that run on one or more electric motors rather than a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. Electric vehicles' electric motors are powered by rechargeable battery packs, which may be charged by connecting them to an external power source like a charging station or a regular outlet.

Figure 1: An Electric Vehicle at Charging Station

Aside from electric cars that are recharged from an outlet, there is a growing demand for solar-powered electric cars, these are still majorly in development due to the limitations of solar panels' energy density. 

The electric motor takes energy from the battery to move the wheels and propel the vehicle forward when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal. Electric automobiles are seen as a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, which emit pollutants when the fuel is burned.

The design of electric cars is such that they have less weight, fewer moving parts and overall, fewer energy losses than traditional gas-powered engines. This in turn means more torque and rotational force sent to the wheels.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are the two main categories of electric automobiles. While PHEVs feature both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, which allows them to operate on electricity for a short time before switching to gasoline power, BEVs only use electric power and do not have a gasoline engine.

In the early models of electric vehicles, most were designed as sedans. However, as the technology has become more refined and more reliable there are now EV versions of everything from cars to trucks to SUVs available to purchase.

Pros:

• Zero emissions
• Quieter ride
• Lower fuel and maintenance costs
• Tax incentives and rebates available in some areas

Cons:

• Limited driving range compared to gas-powered cars
• Longer charging times than filling up a gas tank
• Higher up-front cost than traditional gasoline cars

Popular electric car models include:

• Model S of Tesla - The Model S, one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, has a range of up to 412 miles on a single charge and can reach 60 mph in only 2.4 seconds. It has a sleek, contemporary style and cutting-edge technology, such as an easy-to-use touchscreen dashboard.
• Nissan Leaf: With a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, the Nissan Leaf is an electric vehicle choice that is more reasonably priced. It has a big cabin and a smooth ride, making everyday commuting a viable alternative.
• Chevrolet Bolt - The cabin of the Chevrolet Bolt is roomy and functional, and it offers a driving range of up to 259 miles on a single charge. Additionally, it has cutting-edge safety technologies including lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.
• Porsche Taycan - With a range of up to 227 miles on a single charge, the Porsche Taycan is a high-end electric vehicle. It has an attractive, athletic look and remarkable performance, achieving 0 to 60 mph acceleration in under 2.6 seconds.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E - The 300-mile driving range of the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV is provided by a single charge. It has a modern, chiselled appearance modelled after the iconic Mustang and contemporary amenities including a big touchscreen.

What is a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars get their name from the fact that they combine a traditional gasoline-powered internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The electric motor and battery assist the gasoline engine in powering the vehicle, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Electric motors and gasoline engines both function as power sources in hybrid vehicles. The vehicle is propelled by a gasoline engine at higher speeds or when more power is required, and an electric motor for short trips and slower speeds. Regenerative braking, which recovers energy that would often be wasted during braking and utilizes it to replenish the battery, powers the electric motor.

Figure 2: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in Showroom

The two subtypes of hybrid vehicles are plug-in hybrids or pluggable hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and conventional hybrids. Conventional hybrids can transition between using gasoline and electricity without the requirement for a plug-in charger to refresh their batteries. Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can run entirely on electricity for a short distance before switching to gasoline power, these act as the bridge between traditional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. These vehicles have bigger battery packs and can be charged by plugging them into an external power source.

Pros:

• Better fuel efficiency than traditional gas-powered cars
• Reduced emissions compared to traditional gas-powered cars
• Some models have a longer driving range than electric cars
• Generally, less expensive than electric cars

Cons:

• Not as eco-friendly as fully electric cars
• More complex technology, which can lead to higher maintenance costs
• Reduced cargo space due to the battery pack and hybrid components
• Some models may not offer the same performance as traditional gas-powered cars.

Some examples of common hybrid cars and their features include:

• Toyota Prius - With a combined fuel economy of up to 56 mpg, the Toyota Prius is one of the most well-known hybrid vehicles on the market. It has a roomy cabin and cutting-edge security features including automated emergency braking.
• Honda Insight - With a combined fuel economy of up to 55 mpg, the Honda Insight is a small hybrid vehicle. It has a chic exterior and a cosy, cutting-edge interior.
• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid sports a sleek, aerodynamic design and a combined fuel economy of up to 58 mpg. Additionally, it has a spacious cabin and cutting-edge safety features including lane departure warning.

Comparing the Electric Vehicles to Hybrid Vehicles

Similarities:

• Both hybrid and electric vehicles are more effective and environmentally friendlier than standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
• Electric motors and battery packs are used in both types of vehicles to cut pollution and increase fuel economy.
• Both kinds of vehicles may be refuelled at petrol stations or charging stations, respectively.

Differences:

• In contrast to hybrid automobiles, which contain both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, electric cars run entirely on battery power.
• While hybrid automobiles can often drive 500–600 miles before needing to refuel, electric cars typically have a restricted range of 100–400 miles.
• While hybrid automobiles may refill at any petrol station, electric cars must be charged at specific charging stations or outlets.
• Electric cars tend to be more expensive than hybrid cars due to the cost of battery technology.
• Hybrid cars tend to be more fuel efficient at highway speeds, while electric cars are more efficient in stop-and-go city driving.

Overall, both electric and hybrid vehicles outperform standard gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of fuel economy and pollutants. Individual driving demands and tastes will determine which type of vehicle is best for them, with electric vehicles being better suited for short-distance city travel and hybrid vehicles being better suited for long commutes or road trips. Both types of vehicles are projected to become even more cost-effective and efficient as technology advances, opening up eco-friendly mobility to a wider audience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing between Fully Electric Car and Hybrid Cars

1. Driving Range

While electric and hybrid cars come with their perks and advantages, the driving range is one of the key limitations of the technology. But with advancing technologies in battery capacities and better storage options, this might change in the future.

Electric vehicles may not be appropriate for drivers who routinely travel long distances or have lengthy commutes due to their limited operating range. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles may be refuelled at any gas station and have a greater driving range.

2. Charging and Refueling

Electric cars are the cleanest and the more environmentally friendly option of the two. However, electric vehicles must be charged at specific charging stations or outlets, which may not be practical or simple for all drivers to access. Any gas station is capable of refuelling hybrid vehicles.

3. Fuel Efficiency

Electric cars are more efficient than hybrid cars in city driving, but hybrid cars tend to be more efficient at highway speeds.

4. Cost

Electric cars tend to be more expensive than hybrid cars due to the cost of battery technology. However, electric cars may offer lower long-term operating costs due to lower fuel and maintenance costs.

5. Environmental Impact

Both hybrid and electric vehicles outperform conventional gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of lower pollutants and increased fuel economy. However, electric vehicles are the most environmentally beneficial choice because they emit zero emissions.

6. Driving Experience

Electric cars offer a quiet and smooth driving experience, while hybrid cars offer a more traditional driving experience with a gasoline engine.

It's crucial to take into account aspects like driving range, charging or refilling, fuel economy, cost, environmental effect, and driving enjoyment while picking between electric and hybrid automobiles. Drivers may pick the automobile that best suits their lifestyle and driving preferences by carefully weighing these variables.

Both electric and hybrid cars are projected to become even more effective and economical as technology advances, opening up eco-friendly mobility to a wider audience.

Individual requirements and tastes will ultimately determine whether to buy an electric or hybrid car, but by making an informed choice, drivers can take advantage of the numerous advantages of eco-friendly mobility while lowering their carbon footprint and helping to create a cleaner, healthier planet.