EV, HEV and PHEV - What are the differences?
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Technology is advancing so rapidly that car manufacturers can barely keep up with introducing new technological solutions, leaving people overwhelmed by the abundance of information. It’s no surprise that many are confused about the differences between electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This confusion is particularly evident with PHEVs, which are often mistakenly marketed as hybrids, even by manufacturers.
However, the situation isn’t overly complicated. It’s essential to distinguish between the three main types of future vehicles:
• EV – Electric Vehicles
• HEV – Hybrids
• PHEV – Plug-in HybridsLet’s break down and understand the differences between these vehicles.
What Is a Hybrid Vehicle?
A hybrid vehicle (HEV) is powered entirely by gasoline but is not solely reliant on a gasoline engine. Hybrids also include electric motors that sometimes drive the car, delaying the use of the gasoline engine to save fuel. In some situations, both systems work together to provide extra power, enabling higher speeds—a principle often used in racing.
How do hybrid vehicles work? Their electric motors act as generators when you press the brakes, storing regenerative energy in a small battery for immediate use the next time you accelerate.
Examples of hybrid vehicles include the "Honda Accord Hybrid," "Lexus RX 450h," and "Toyota Prius."
What Is a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle?
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a gasoline-powered hybrid with a much larger battery that can be charged using an external power source. A PHEV behaves similarly to an electric vehicle, with the gasoline engine staying off as long as the battery is charged. Once the battery is depleted, the engine kicks in, allowing the vehicle to continue running like a traditional hybrid. It also uses regenerative braking to conserve fuel.
Note: Some PHEVs are mistakenly marketed as hybrids. If you can plug it in to charge, it’s a plug-in hybrid.
Examples of PHEVs include the "BMW 530e," "Toyota Prius Prime," and "Volvo XC90 T8."
What Is an Electric Vehicle?
An Electric Vehicle (EV) is powered entirely by electricity, with a sufficiently large battery and powerful electric motor to deliver optimal performance without the need for a conventional engine or fuel tank. These fully electric vehicles rely solely on electricity, and a comprehensive charging infrastructure is being developed to encourage more drivers to switch to EVs.
Well-known examples of electric vehicles include the "Chevrolet Bolt," "Nissan Leaf," and "Tesla Model 3."
Do EV and PHEV Charging Differ?
On our blog, we discuss EV charging, home charging stations for EVs, charging cables, and more. The same infrastructure is used for charging PHEVs, making the transition between these vehicles seamless without requiring entirely new setups.
People looking for electric vehicles often overlook PHEVs. That’s unfortunate because PHEVs can offer the best of both worlds, combining the advantages of EVs and conventional cars.
If it seems like there aren’t many PHEV options available, it’s often because manufacturers market plug-in hybrids simply as hybrids. While the selection isn’t vast, this is set to change with the introduction of hybrid versions of popular small SUVs like the "Ford Escape PHEV," "Toyota RAV4 Prime," and even the upcoming "Jeep Wrangler 4xe." These vehicles are designed to appeal to families, offering a practical and compelling choice.
We live in exciting times, with new products constantly emerging: more affordable EVs with better charging options, versatile family-friendly PHEVs, and increasingly refined hybrids. It’s time to try them all, and charging cables and charging stations for plug-in vehicles are readily available at EVLaidai.lt!
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