Choosing a hybrid car allows you to take advantage of many of the benefits of an electric driving system, without completely giving up the features of internal combustion.
For this reason, the hybrid sector has grown significantly in recent years, to the point where various types of vehicles are now available within the category. Among them, hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid cars stand out, with very important differences between them.
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car is one that has two electric batteries, an electric motor, and an internal combustion engine. It is identified by the initials HEV.
The batteries are designed to assist with starting and improve fuel efficiency and engine performance, making use of both systems’ benefits. However, the range relies almost entirely on fuel use.
What is a plug-in hybrid car?
A plug-in hybrid car, also known by the initials PHEV, is a vehicle with a powerful electric motor and a high-efficiency combustion engine. It also includes a high-voltage battery that can be recharged by plugging into the electrical grid. Hence the term “plug-in.”
Advantages of a hybrid car
A hybrid car is an excellent choice for sustainable mobility, now available in many different models.
All of them offer the following advantages:
- They offer lower fuel consumption than gasoline cars, thanks to battery assistance during starting and driving.
- Some models have a minimum electric range, allowing you to drive short distances without using fuel.
- The batteries are self-charging during driving, so there’s no need to plug in the car at any time.
- It’s a more sustainable option than any internal combustion vehicle. In fact, it comes with the ECO environmental label.
Advantages of a plug-in hybrid car
In practice, a PHEV achieves lower fuel consumption, even compared to a standard hybrid.
- It is also more sustainable. Its environmental label can be ZERO emissions.
- The electric range of a plug-in hybrid car is greater than that of other hybrid options, even above 50 km.
- The batteries partially recharge while driving, but can also be fully recharged from the home’s power grid.
Differences Between a Hybrid Car and a Plug-In Hybrid
When buying a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, at Astara Store you can find the best models from every brand, and even get tailored financing to suit your needs.
Each vehicle will offer a specific set of features, and it’s important to understand them in detail to choose the most suitable model.
If we focus solely on the hybrid technology as the main differentiating factor, we find a few key distinctions between what each type of car offers:
- A hybrid car does not plug into the electrical grid. Its batteries recharge automatically during driving. A plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, also needs to be charged via the grid to restore 100% of its energy.
- A hybrid car mainly relies on the combustion engine for its range. A plug-in hybrid does not depend as heavily on this engine and can offer electric-only driving for many kilometers.
- In terms of sustainability, the plug-in hybrid offers greater efficiency, with emissions of around 30 g of CO₂ per km, compared to approximately 120 g/km for standard hybrids.
- Fuel consumption is also different. HEVs consume around 5 liters/100 km, while PHEVs optimize this down to about 2 liters/100 km.
- Environmental labels can also be a significant difference: from ECO to ZERO emissions.
This comparison table provides a clearer view of the differences between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid:
| Hybrid Car (HEV) | Plug-In Hybrid Car (PHEV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Minimal electric range | Medium electric range (more than 50 km) |
| Charging | Self-charging | Self-charging and grid charging |
| Powertrain | Primarily combustion engine | Combustion and electric motors together |
| Emissions | Less than 120 g/km | Less than 40 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | Around 5 liters/100 km | Around 2 liters/100 km |
| DGT Label | ECO | ZERO emissions |
Which is better: hybrid or plug-in hybrid?
The truth is, both hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars offer many driving advantages. Choosing one over the other isn't just about comparing numbers; you also need to consider other related factors to make the best possible decision.
For this reason, Astara encourages you to consider the following questions to help you determine which option is best for you:
- What are your charging options? If you can’t charge at home, in your building’s garage, or at work, it will be challenging to keep enough energy for efficient driving.
- How many kilometers do you drive daily? If you drive every day and cover long distances of at least 50 km, a plug-in hybrid is the best option.
- Do you live or work in a city with a low-emission zone? If you want to maximize the benefits of sustainable driving, a PHEV will give you the environmental label you need.