Hyrbid or Electric?
Learn about the differences.
It’s impossible now to imagine a world without electric vehicles. The good news is that there are different ways of driving them. But what are the differences between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric vehicle? Learn more!
A hybrid vehicle is powered by a combination of an electric engine and an internal combustion engine.
It only uses the electric engine when accelerating, or when driving at speeds of up to 25 km/hour, making it the ideal vehicle for city driving.
When the speed exceeds 25 km/hour, the internal combustion engine takes over.
The electric engine is charged every time the car brakes while driving. The vehicle cannot be charged by means of an external charger or outlet.
Plug-in hybrids, also known as PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), have an internal combustion engine and a battery, just like a hybrid.
However, in addition to charging the battery while driving, the batteries can be charged by connecting to an electrical network.
This gives plug-in hybrids a higher range, in electric mode, compared to hybrids.
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), or pure electric vehicle, uses one or several battery-powered electric engines as its exclusive means of propulsion. These batteries are charged through a connection to the electrical network, with no use of petrol, diesel or gas by the system.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly more common and affordable thanks to fast-paced innovations by automobile manufacturers. In addition, charging infrastructures and technologies are evolving, and charging networks have grown in recent years.
Tips for using your electric vehicle:
- Stress-free.
Make a habit of charging the car, systematically, at home overnight or at the office during the day.
- Always charged.
Control vehicle range anxiety by charging your vehicle, regardless of remaining battery life.
- Drive more slowly.
Many electric vehicle drivers adjust their driving style to increase their vehicle’s range. Especially on motorways, driving a bit slower and accelerating more smoothly can have a positive impact. Even taking side roads can help you get the most out of driving your electric vehicle.
- Control charging.
Are you planning a longer trip? Be sure to consider your vehicle’s charging speed.
Charging your battery up to 80% takes as long as charging from 80% to 100%. Two shorter charging sessions will reduce the total time spent charging. There are apps such as A Better Route Planner that can help you plan your trip.
- Keep the battery level between 20% and 80%.
Before you started driving an electric car, were you in the habit of filling the tank at the gas station? An electric vehicle’s battery will be much “happier” if you adjust its charging to 80% capacity – although you can charge the battery completely when you need to drive a longer distance.
We also advise that you do not let the battery fall below 20%, unless necessary. The reason for this has to do with the chemical structure of the lithium battery. The battery will last longer if you avoid letting it frequently reach its maximum or minimum capacity.
- Do not use a fast charging station when the battery is still 90% charged.
A fast charger charges the battery up to 80% capacity in only 30 minutes. After this, the charging process slows down significantly. Thus, it makes no sense to charge the vehicle at a fast charging station when you still have 90% capacity remaining.
- Fast charging after long drives.
A car that is “warmed up” will charge even faster at a fast charging station.
- I am losing my range. What now?
Put your vehicle in “Eco Mode”, limit your maximum speed to 100 km/hour or turn off the AC. All of these options can extend your range.
- Locate the charging station.
With the Miio app, you can find chargers near your current location. You can also calculate the cost per charging session.
- Fast charging.
Mobi.E fast charging stations provide a significantly higher capacity of up to 150 kW. The IONITY and Tesla fast charging stations support charging speeds of up to 350 kW.
- What if there is no charger available?
Every electric car is equipped with a 220V outlet, enabling you to charge it whenever and wherever you need. Charging speed is limited, but it will enable you to charge your vehicle enough to reach the next available charging station.