The automotive world evolves and as you know, today the market is dominated by hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but... do you know what the difference is between one and the other? Keep reading because in this article we explain it to you.
In the first instance, hybrid vehicles were born as a bridge between the conventional vehicle (equipped with a combustion engine) and the electric vehicle.
The reality is that the demand for this type of vehicles has not stopped increasing as a result of the considerable tightening of anti-pollution regulations that prevail especially in large cities, such as Barcelona, where the low emissions zone has recently been activated.
For this reason, it can be seen how recently plug-in hybrids, also called PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and conventional hybrids take up most of the advertising on television.
Difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PEHV)
Although both share some characteristics, such as low direct emissions, the fact that they can be recharged and that they are equipped with electric motorization, they are different vehicles in terms of operation.
The difference between conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid is accentuated when we delve a little deeper into both and goes beyond the adjective that accompanies the second.
So how are hybrid vehicles different from plug-in hybrids?
A conventional hybrid vehicle relies mainly on the internal combustion engine and, sometimes, supplements the power with the electric motor. On the other hand the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) vehicle It combines the use of both engines, with city use being the ideal place for this type of vehicle.
In addition, The batteries in plug-in hybrids are larger than those in conventional hybrids, which allows them to have greater autonomy, normally exceeding 40km of electric autonomy.
In short, conventional hybrids cannot travel as many kilometers in fully electric mode as plug-in hybrids.
For example, suppose we want to take a long trip, with a conventional hybrid vehicle. In an ideal scenario we would not brake or decelerate during the entire trip on the road and this is the key. Approximately after 30 kilometers, if we have not pressed the brake or reduced the speed of travel, the hybrid vehicle will run out of charge in the batteries, so it will not be able to use the electric motor and we will continue traveling with the combustion engine.
On the other hand, with a plug-in hybrid like the Class A 250e (leader in the compact plug-in segment) We will be able to travel a total of 77km with the purely electric motor and later we will be able to recharge it in places enabled for this.
Did you know that according to a study we do not travel more than 50 kilometers a day in our vehicles?
As you can see, we are talking about more than double the kilometers in electric range compared to a conventional hybrid and we must not forget that there are already many charging points in our cities so you can recharge the vehicle comfortably and quickly.
How conventional PHEV and hybrid vehicles charge
You should know that the electric motors that equip Plug-in hybrid vehicles have more power than the electric motors in conventional hybrid vehicles, that is why, if you have a PHEV vehicle, recharging the battery can be done using charging stations, domestic plug or by self-charging during braking or reductions. On the other hand, recharging the batteries of conventional hybrid vehicles can only be done by decelerating the vehicle or braking it.
How long does it take to charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle?
Specifically the Class A 250 e from Mercedes-Benz with the 7,4 kW Wallbox takes one hour and 45 minutes to fully recharge its battery.
Given that the Class A 250 e with EQ Power technology is capable of traveling up to 77 kilometers in fully electric autonomy, you don't think the data is very attractive.
Differences and similarities between hybrids and plug-in hybrids:
When to buy a PHEV or a conventional hybrid?
The Conventional hybrids are designed for users who do not have the possibility of installing a charger at home or that your vehicle will be running constantly and you do not have the time to recharge. A clear example is taxis since they circulate uninterruptedly and mostly within the city, at which time the electric motor takes center stage.
If, on the other hand, you are going to use the vehicle daily within the city or outside of it and you have time to charge it, the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is the vehicle you need.
Pure electric, one more step
If you are one of those who believe in change and your goal is to have a pure electric car, now is the time. Mercedes-Benz has the EQC, a vehicle designed for nonconformists who want to be at the forefront of electrical technology.
So…hybrid or plug-in hybrid?
Have you already decided? If not, we recommend that you contact our LG Barcelona facilities where our commercial advisors will be happy to answer your requests.
