What's the Difference Between Plug-in Hybrid and Pure Electric?

[StMackenzie]

Here are the differences between the two: 1. Pure electric vehicles only have a battery + electric motor as the sole drivetrain system, without a traditional internal combustion engine. They don't consume fuel and solely rely on electricity. In English, they're called Electric Vehicles, abbreviated as EV. 2. Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be understood as having both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, with both capable of providing power output. The vehicle body is equipped with a charging port, allowing the onboard battery to be charged using charging stations or household electricity. Here's a detailed introduction to electric vehicles: Electric vehicles, also known as electrically driven vehicles, are divided into AC electric vehicles and DC electric vehicles. Typically, electric vehicles use batteries as their energy source, converting electrical energy into mechanical motion through components like controllers and motors, with speed controlled by adjusting current levels.

[DamianMarie]

I chose a plug-in hybrid mainly for its practicality. This car has an engine for refueling and an electric motor for charging. For daily commutes within 50 kilometers, electricity is sufficient, costing only 8 yuan per 100 kilometers. On weekends, just refuel and go for long trips—gas stations are everywhere. I can't stand the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles. Last time, my friend drove an electric car to the suburbs, and the battery warning went off halfway, almost requiring a tow truck. Charging stations are still too scarce, and waiting in line at shopping malls is all too common. The maintenance cost of plug-in hybrids is slightly higher than that of pure electric cars since two systems need upkeep, but it's still cheaper than gasoline cars. If you have a fixed parking spot to install a charging station, buying a plug-in hybrid is really a good fit.

[Deborah]

As a veteran pure EV owner for three years, the most satisfying aspects are the quietness and instant acceleration. The direct drive from the motor eliminates any jerky shifts, which is especially noticeable in traffic jams. With a home charging station installed in the garage and off-peak electricity at 0.3 yuan per kWh, driving 200 kilometers costs only 6 yuan. However, last year's road trip was a nightmare—planning the route entirely around charging station locations, waiting in line at service areas for two hours to charge for half an hour. A friend who just bought a plug-in hybrid doesn't have this worry, with a fuel consumption of just 6L when the battery is depleted. But pure EVs are indeed cheap to maintain, requiring only an annual air filter change. Now, more new models with 600 km range are emerging, and things might get better once charging stations become more widespread.

[DelPenelope]

Recent research data shows that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) generally have an all-electric range of 50-200 kilometers, with much smaller and lighter batteries compared to pure electric vehicles (EVs). The presence of an engine and transmission allows PHEVs to achieve a combined range of over 1,000 kilometers. The battery pack of a pure EV accounts for 40% of the total vehicle cost, meaning at the same price point, consumers can purchase a higher-end PHEV. However, PHEVs have two powertrain systems, leading to a higher probability of faults. In terms of charging efficiency, pure EVs can achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes with fast charging, while PHEVs mostly rely on slower charging. Regarding national policies, in Beijing, PHEVs are not eligible for green license plates, and Shanghai will also cancel policy preferences for PHEVs starting next year.