ElectricElectric vehicles rely solely on electricity which is provided by a high-capacity battery that powers an electric motor.
An electric car’s battery requires manual charging, which can be achieved at home, at work and out and about.
HybridHybrid vehicles can be broken down into two categories: ● Hybrid (including mild hybrid and full hybrid) ● Plug-in hybrid
A hybrid vehicle features a self-charging battery which powers an electric motor. The latter assists the combustion engine by providing power boosts and instant torque, for example.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle has a similar set up – but also offers the opportunity for all-electric driving. This is typically referred to as ‘electric range’ or just ‘range’. Unlike hybrids, plug-in hybrids require manual charging (although, of course, they can travel on fuel alone).
Range Comparison
ElectricOf all the types of electrified vehicles available, electric cars offer the greatest range. For instance, the Škoda Enyaq iV 80 is capable of a 339-mile range.
HybridMost hybrid cars are incapable of electric range, which can’t be said of plug-in hybrids; the Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid delivers a maximum 43-mile range, for example.
Does electric or hybrid mean greener motoring?
ElectricAn all-electric vehicle is the greenest form of motor car because it produces zero harmful emissions.
HybridA plug-in hybrid vehicle is the next best option when it comes to eco-friendly motoring; for instance, the ŠKODA Octavia iV produces CO2 emissions as low as 22g/km.
Hybrid vehicles tend to be more eco-friendly than their purely combustion-engined equivalents. For example, the Toyota Yaris produces a 92g/km to 99g/km emission range.
Which is cheaper to run?
Electric Fully electric vehicles are the most affordable form of motor car to run. This is because, in relative terms, electricity is cheaper than fossil fuel. Moreover, maintenance costs tend to be lower because an electric drivetrain features fewer working parts than a combustion engine.
HybridIn terms of affordability, plug-in hybrids come second to electric vehicles. This is because a plug-in hybrid’s electric motor does a lot of the ‘heavy listing’ in the city. Although the same can’t be said of hybrids, they nevertheless tend to be more efficient than their conventional counterparts.
