Today, cars receive more and more types of power plants, which can no longer be called the traditional motor. The internal combustion engine still retains its position, but the number of fully electric cars, hybrids, and all kinds of hydrogen experiments is rapidly growing. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of these engines? And what is called a conventional hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)? The Indy Auto Man used auto dealer technicians prepared quick answers to these questions.
Hybrid powertrain (HEV).
The first and older type, the hybrid engine, is only slightly different from the standard internal combustion one. It uses the same gasoline engine with all its systems, such as pistons, crankshaft, etc., with an electric motor and a battery added to them, which is usually quite small, due to the principle of hybrid engine operation. Instead of driving the wheels, it serves as a complement to the internal combustion engine, which is why hybrid cars have a combined power rating. The battery is charged during regenerative braking and discharged while driving, and it doesn’t need to be particularly large. Although there are many HEV models on the market now, one of the earliest and most famous is the Toyota Prius. True, these days hybrids are found not only on modest little cars. You can buy powerful and luxurious autos from top brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Compared to HEVs, PHEVs are a bit more complex. If you are wondering whether it uses gasoline, the answer is yes. However, a PHEV doesn’t have to do this if used wisely. The petrol engine here is the same as in any other car, but the electric motor and battery differ from what you’d find in an HEV. The battery is externally charged (meaning it needs to be plugged in – hence the name), unlike hybrids using regenerative braking. The PHEV’s electric motor helps the engine, but its main difference is that it can run on pure electricity for longer without fuel. The average range of such a run is from 18 to 30 miles. This doesn’t sound very impressive, but it can be convenient if your daily commute falls within this range. One of the best-selling PHEV crossovers today is the KIA Niro, although the Toyota RAV4 Prime is not too far behind.
Which is better, hybrids or plug-in hybrids?
On the one hand, with the world moving towards an all-electric future, the answer seems obvious, but it’s not that simple, and in the HEV vs PHEV battle, a lot depends on your budget, where you live, and your habits.
PHEVs can drive on electric power alone (albeit for short distances) without using gasoline. They have large batteries to store the charge received from an external source. Conventional hybrids have smaller batteries that store only some energy generated through regenerative braking. Its purpose is to assist the internal combustion engine and save fuel rather than pure electric propulsion.
As with most technologies, less advanced systems are slightly cheaper, meaning HEVs are more affordable. However, we can’t forget about the long-term savings with PHEVs, which can drive on electric power alone and significantly reduce fuel expenses if you plan your trips and recharge in between. Simply put, a PHEV is the best choice if you have the charging infrastructure. True, this argument may become moot shortly when most automakers switch to electric traction and abandon internal combustion engines. Both hybrid types relying on gasoline engines may fade into the background, giving way to more efficient power units. But this is unlikely to happen tomorrow.