What is the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars?
2 Answers
The differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are: 1. Different forms: Hybrid cars, like regular fuel-powered cars, only require refueling; plug-in hybrids not only need refueling but also require charging. 2. Different battery sizes: Hybrid models have much smaller batteries, while plug-in hybrid models have significantly larger batteries, making them closer to pure electric vehicles compared to hybrid models. Currently, there are mainly three types of hybrid vehicles. The first type primarily uses the engine for driving, leveraging the powerful torque generated by the electric motor during restart. During situations like car starts and acceleration where engine fuel consumption is high, the electric motor assists in driving to reduce the engine's fuel consumption. This method has a relatively simple structure, requiring only the addition of an electric motor and battery to the car. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are a new type of hybrid electric vehicle, differing from traditional hybrids that combine gasoline power with electric drive. The driving principle and units of plug-in hybrids are the same as those of electric vehicles, with the only difference being the inclusion of an engine in the vehicle.
The most intuitive feeling of driving a hybrid is fuel efficiency without the need to charge. Take my Toyota hybrid, for example—when crawling in stop-and-go traffic, the electric motor quietly takes over, letting the engine rest and reducing fuel consumption. Even in heavy traffic, it doesn’t hurt the wallet. A full tank can cover over 600 kilometers, giving a strong sense of security when waiting in line at gas stations. However, the small battery capacity means the pure electric mode can barely last two or three kilometers; pressing the accelerator harder immediately engages the engine. The biggest convenience is not having to hunt for charging stations, making it ideal for those without fixed parking spots in their residential areas. Plug-in hybrids are different—my neighbor’s BYD can run 110 kilometers on pure electric power after a full charge, making daily commutes completely oil-free. But long weekend trips become a hassle, with charging stations at service areas requiring half-hour waits and necessitating careful route planning. Running the AC for heating drains the battery rapidly, and in winter, the pure electric range on highways drops by 30%.
