Are hybrid and electric vehicles the same? Not quite - there are some key differences between the two vehicle types which may affect your next purchase.
The difference between hybrid and electric cars
What is the difference between electric and hybrid cars?
The key difference between hybrid and electric cars is that a hybrid car combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and drives power by using a combination of them both.
A purely electric vehicle, on the other hand, drives all its power from a battery powered electric motor and replenishes batteries at home or roadside charging points.
Hybrid vehicles in comparison to electric
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) come with a range of benefits and drawbacks, but how do they stand up against one another?
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
At battery electric vehicle runs solely off power stored in a rechargeable battery. BEVs will require regular charging, which can be done at home or through public charging points.
- Range - From 93 to 370 miles.
- Emissions - C02 emissions: 0g C02/km
- Fuel economy* - 4p per mile
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles combine an electric battery and a conventional fuel engine to power the car. HEVs cannot be plugged in at a charging unit, instead they recharge their battery through regenerative braking.
- Range - Average range when electric at 100%: 1.2 or 1.8 miles only.
- Emissions - 70g C02/km
- Fuel economy* - 8p per mile
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines both power options to function. With a PHEV you can charge the electric battery at a charging point, while also being able to refuel with petrol or diesel like a conventional fuel engine.
- Range - Average range when electric at 100%: 1.2 or 1.8 miles only.
- Emissions - 30 to 50g C02/km
- Fuel economy* - 6p per mile
*Based on averages
*Subject to driving use
Flex & Free now available
Flex & Free gives customers the flexibility to change their car more frequently. Based on a standard Contract Hire agreement but with the flexibility to change vehicle from the 6th month, without penalty (subject to condition and mileage).
Which is right for me?
BEV: Battery electric vehicles come with an extremely long range, low carbon emissions and great economy value. If efficient mileage is your thing, a BEV is likely the right choice for you.
One drawback used to be that there was a limited amount of available high-speed charging points, but now that simply isn’t the case. With a BEV, it used to be that spontaneity and flexibility was sacrificed for efficiency and low carbon emissions. Now, with an increasing number of high-speed charging stations, range anxiety for long journeys is a thing of the past.
However, like with any long drive, to avoid running out of power, it is important to plan ahead and make sure you pass many charging stations along your route.
HEV: If you are looking at your first electric vehicle then a HEV could be the perfect starting point. Unlike BEVs, hybrid electric vehicles are not restricted by charge. With the primary power source still being the ICE, running a HEV is much like running a standard car.
There are still efficiency savings to be made - regenerative braking, less weight and stop start technology all combine to create an efficient vehicle.
PHEV: An excellent middle ground. A PHEV can generate power through its batteries and ICE engine. Similar to a BEV, a PHEV's batteries can be charged, but is not limited to that battery charge. If the battery runs low, the car can be powered solely by its internal combustion engine.
This car is ideal for those looking to upgrade their green credentials and save money.
Talk to our expert team about your options
If you're thinking about saving money and lowering your carbon footprint, see what electric and hybrid vehicles we offer and upgrade your car with Stellantis Financial Services.
To discuss the right solution for you, contact one of our retailers to take your next step on your electric journey.
