Hybrid vs electric

Deciding between hybrid, plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle

In today's world, electric vehicles have become a significant part of the automotive landscape. The great news is that there are various ways to embrace electric mobility. However, understanding the distinctions between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, hydrogen and a fully electric vehicle is crucial. Let's delve into these options:

Hybrid vehicles

A hybrid car operates on a blend of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. It primarily relies on the electric motor for acceleration and speeds up to 25 km/h, making it an excellent choice for urban environments. When higher speeds are required, the internal combustion engine seamlessly takes over. Notably, the electric motor recharges each time you brake, enhancing efficiency.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) feature both an internal combustion engine and a larger battery, similar to hybrids. What sets them apart is the ability to charge via an external charging station, hence the name "plug-in hybrid." This capability grants PHEVs a significantly extended electric range compared to hybrids.

Fully electric vehicles (BEV)

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) relies solely on a large battery connected to at least one electric motor. It operates without any involvement of petrol, gas, or diesel. Thanks to innovations by companies like Tesla, as well as established manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Nissan, fully electric vehicles have become more affordable and widespread. Furthermore, the charging infrastructure and technology continue to evolve, with rapid growth in charging networks worldwide.

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) – hydrogen vehicles

Fuel cell electric vehicles, often referred to as hydrogen vehicles, are powered by hydrogen, emitting only water vapor instead of harmful pollutants. Hydrogen cars, along with battery electric vehicles, are considered the most environmentally friendly transportation choices. However, it's worth noting that currently, approximately 99% of hydrogen is produced using polluting methods known as grey or brown hydrogen production. In terms of charging infrastructure, battery electric vehicles have an advantage because hydrogen refueling infrastructure is not yet widely available.

Embracing sustainable transportation

A hybrid car operates on a blend of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. It primarily relies on the electric motor for acceleration and speeds up to 25 km/h, making it an excellent choice for urban environments. When higher speeds are required, the internal combustion engine seamlessly takes over. Notably, the electric motor recharges each time you brake, enhancing efficiency.In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and climate consciousness, the options for environmentally friendly transportation are expanding. Technological advancements, political pressures, lower prices, and investments from car manufacturers, mobility solution providers, and companies with large fleets are driving this shift.

At Ayvens, sustainability is a key strategic focus, and we're committed to offering solutions that promote greener transportation. Enter Ayvens, designed to simplify the adoption of eco-friendly car policies for companies and employees. We provide a diverse range of sustainable car models for private and business leasing and offer personalised guidance to help you choose the ideal green car. In this guide, we explore the differences between hybrid and electric cars to assist you in making an informed choice for your next eco-conscious vehicle.

Three types of hybrid cars and their CO2 impact

Hybrid vehicles come in three main types: mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. While all three combine a fuel engine with an electric motor, they differ in how these components work together, affecting their CO2 impact.

Mild hybrid

Equipped with a small electric auxiliary motor that offers extra torque, the mild hybrid primarily runs on petrol or diesel. It briefly engages the electric motor during acceleration to boost torque. This type of hybrid does not significantly impact CO2 emissions but boasts up to 10% better fuel economy compared to conventional petrol and diesel cars.

Full hybrid

Full hybrid vehicles utilize a combination of an electric motor and a fuel engine for efficient and environmentally friendly driving. These two engines cooperate to enhance fuel efficiency, particularly during periods of high fuel consumption. Like mild hybrids, full hybrids cannot be externally charged but rely on the fuel engine for charging. This results in limited CO2 effects, with notably improved fuel economy compared to traditional vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid closely resembles a regular hybrid but stands out due to a larger battery, a smaller internal combustion engine, and the ability to charge externally. This allows more extensive electric-only driving, especially on shorter trips, making plug-in hybrids more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. However, it's crucial to align your driving patterns with this type, including daily electric charging, to maximise its benefits.

Electric cars: pure, green mobility

Fully electric cars operate exclusively on electricity from batteries. They lack a fuel engine, relying on external power sources for charging. While electric cars are restricted by battery range, typically around 400-600 km on a full charge, they offer 100% CO2-neutral journeys and significant fuel savings. As technology and infrastructure continue to advance, electric vehicles are set to overcome range limitations and charging concerns.

Choosing the ideal green company car

The choice between hybrid and electric company cars depends on your preferences, needs, and corporate car policies. If you prioritise green driving without being constrained by charging time and range, hybrid cars are a compelling option, with plug-in hybrids leading in eco-friendliness, if they are charged and driven on electricity. However, hybrids typically have two engines, making them heavier, which makes them less fuel efficient and creates greater wear and tear on your tyres.

Selecting a green company car involves trade-offs. Your decision should align with your individual preferences, company policies, and budget constraints. As electric vehicle technology and charging infrastructure continue to evolve, the limitations of range and charging will diminish, making the transition to electric vehicles even more appealing.

How do electric vehicles work?

What is an electric vehicle? An electric vehicle is a type of vehicle that uses propulsion by means of electric engines. The energy used to drive an electric vehicle is stored in the battery, which is charged at a [charging station](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/) (at home, at the office or at public charging stations). Electric vehicles are part of the group of vehicles called "zero emissions" which, due to their non-polluting means of locomotion, help to reduce the emissions of environmentally harmful gases, together with noise pollution, since their engines are quieter than internal combustion engines. What types of electric vehicles exist? Even though vehicles powered 100% by electricity are the only ones considered electric, automobiles with mixed technologies (hybrids) are currently available on the market. Learn about all of the [existing types](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/). Are electric vehicles safe? Electric vehicles duly tested in terms of their safety, just like conventional cars. In the event of a collision, there is the slight possibility for some parts to receive an active load or for a short circuit to cause an electrical fire, but safety and construction precautions have limited this risk to the absolute minimum. What do I need to charge the electric vehicle? You may need a charger (Wallbox), a charging cable and a charging card. Learn more about [charging](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/). What is the range of the batteries? The range (number of kilometres) varies according to the size of the battery and the electric vehicle’s efficiency. Depending on the model, the range will be from around 250 to more than 500 km on a fully charged battery. For PHEVs, ranges vary from around 40 to 60 km in electric mode. A fully charged 40kWh battery allows you to drive from 200 to 250 km, while a 64kWh battery has a significantly longer range of 350 to 400 km. Speed accounts for the majority of the battery’s consumption, which is why you should always drive within speed limits, while also considering several other factors affecting battery life: - High or low temperatures (resulting from the use of heating/air conditioning) - Driving in strong winds - Driving for a long time uphill How many kilometres can I drive with a fully charged battery? A fully charged 50 kW battery will allow you to drive 250 to 300 km. If you are a defensive and ecological driver, you will be able to drive even further. Speed has the greatest effect on the amount of battery power consumed, so it is recommended that you stick to the legal speed limits. Additionally, car manufacturers are investing heavily in improving the battery capacity of electric vehicles to address one of the main barriers to purchase: range anxiety. When we take a closer look at the new models hitting the market, we see that the ranges of these electric vehicles are increasing considerably. Learn more about [charging](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/). How long does it take to charge my vehicle’s battery? The charging speed will depend on several factors, including the vehicle type, the battery’s power, the vehicle charging capacity and the [type of charging station](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/) used. When charging a car with a standard power outlet, 5 to 10 hours of charging will be needed. However, when using a fast charging station, most commonly found along the highways, it takes approximately 30 minutes to charge 80% of the battery. Estimated charging time by type of charging: Slow charging (3.7 kW and 7.4kW): 4-8 hours. This type of charging is recommended for residential applications. Semi-fast charging (22 kW): 2-4 hours. Fast charging (>50 kW): 30 minutes to charge to 80%. Fast charging (>50 kW): 30 minutes to charge to 80%. What types of outlets exist to connect my electric vehicle? Various types of outlets exist for electric vehicles, such as alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Learn more about [available charging solutions](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/).