Types of Hybrid Vehicles: What’s Available On The Market
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With the recent record highs in gas prices, many consumers have struggled at the pump and are now looking past gas-powered vehicles for alternatives. Nowadays, there’s no shortage of pure electric cars from many major manufacturers like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford. However, not everyone is ready to commit to an all-electric future. This is why many people gravitate toward hybrid vehicles, a happy medium between electric vehicles or EVs and conventional gas-powered cars.
Fortunately, there’s an increasing number of hybrid cars in the market, ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs. While most people have heard of hybrid vehicles, not many are aware that hybrids come in many different types – which is crucial information if you’re looking to buy a hybrid model.
For this post, we’ll walk you through the main types of hybrid vehicles, what they are, and their respective benefits and drawbacks. Let’s get to it!
The 3 Main Types of Hybrid Vehicles
There are three primary types of hybrids: mild, full, and plug-in.
Mild Hybrids
The mild hybrid electric vehicle or MHEV, also known as power-assist hybrid or battery-assisted hybrid cars, is having some type of renaissance. If you haven’t heard of mild hybrid vehicles before, it’s because companies do not explicitly advertise them – so it’s likely you’ve driven a mild hybrid before without knowing.
As the name implies, a mild hybrid isn’t propelled by electric power and still relies on its internal combustion engine. Instead, the electric motor slightly boosts the engine, typically during cruising, coasting, or braking. The mild hybrid system also removes the burden of power-hungry systems like the A/C.
Mild hybrid vehicles are generally available in 48-volt electric systems and don’t need to be plugged in. Instead, the batteries are rechargeable via the combination of the engine and the energy recovered through regenerative braking. Mild hybrids offer better fuel economy than gas-powered engines but aren’t as economical as other types of hybrid vehicles.
The naming of mild hybrid systems varies by the car manufacturer, but the most common ones are eTorque (Fiat/Chrysler), eAssist (General Motors), and EQ Boost (Mercedes-Benz).
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Pros and Cons of Mild Hybrids
Pros
- Lighter than traditional hybrids
- Cheaper to produce
- More fuel efficient than gas-powered vehicles
Cons
- It doesn’t offer much in fuel economy
- Little to no electric-only range
Full Hybrids
Also known as a parallel hybrid, a full hybrid is probably what goes into your mind when thinking of hybrid vehicles. Full hybrid cars have both an electric motor and a combustion engine. However, unlike the mild hybrid that only uses the electric components to support the combustion engine, full hybrids use the electric motor and combustion engine to propel the vehicle – either simultaneously or independently.
The main difference with full hybrids is that the electric motor can handle much more workload than a mild hybrid vehicle. This allows full hybrids to operate for some distance on electric power alone. However, these electric-only ranges occur at low city speeds and only for a few miles or less.
Full hybrids also use regenerative braking to recover energy and charge the battery. Whereas cars with combustion engines are wasting kinetic energy while braking and slowing down. This makes full hybrids much more fuel efficient, especially in urban driving.
Hybrid models have two main powertrain types: parallel and series hybrids. Parallel hybrids are powered in three ways: directly by the electric motor, the engine, or both systems in tandem. On the other hand, series hybrids have electric motors that power the wheel, while the gas engine provides power to the electric motor. Thus, the wheels are never powered by a gasoline engine.
Pros and Cons of Full Hybrids
Pros
- Fewer emissions
- Better fuel economy than mild hybrids
- It may have a higher resale value
Cons
- Still produces emission
- Higher upfront costs
Plug-In Hybrids
So far, all types of hybrid vehicles we’ve discussed rely on internal means to charge their batteries. However, the critical difference with plug-in hybrids or PHEVs, the primary method to charge the batteries is by using a wall outlet or charging equipment. Like the previous types, plug-in hybrids combine a combustion engine and an electric motor.
With that said, plug-in hybrid vehicles typically have a larger battery than standard hybrids. Larger batteries mean larger capacity, which enables plug-in hybrids to run purely on electric power and without gas. With a full charge, some PHEVs can go up to 25 miles or more, significantly better than traditional hybrids. As the name implies, plug-in hybrids must be charged using a standard 120 or 240-volt charging station.
One of the most common concerns about PHEVs is the charging time. Charging times vary by the size of the battery, the type of charger used, and the car manufacturer. As mentioned, larger battery packs have a larger capacity and longer charging times. The average charging time for PHEVs is two to six hours and will depend on factors like connector type and power output.
Essentially, PHEVs offer more versatility than standard hybrid vehicles. Keep in mind that PHEVs can also operate in “hybrid” mode, which uses both the gasoline engine and electric motor, provided you have gas in the tank. This includes returning kinetic energy as electrical power via regenerative braking.
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Pros and Cons of Plug-In Hybrids
Pros
- Greatly reduces carbon footprint
- It gets you ready for an all-electric transition
- Fewer maintenance and repairs
- Hefty tax breaks
Cons
- Even higher upfront costs
- The need and difficulty of charging
- Charging times can be longer without a fast charger
Which Types of Hybrid Vehicles Should I Buy?
As you can see, each hybrid type has its pros and cons. Mild hybrids are a good option if you’re looking for good fuel economy without shelling extra cash for a full hybrid. Full hybrids, on the other hand, are ideal if you don’t have access to a charging port. All you need to do is get in the driver’s seat and drive away.
Lastly, plug-in hybrids offer the most versatility and more ways to drive efficiently. Charging should be your crucial consideration since a fast charger can be a game changer.
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