Hybrids Vs. PHEVs Vs. HEVs – A Comparison

In the modern world, where the emerging energy and climate crisis has become a reality, global automakers seem to have embarked on embracing sustainable energy vehicles. Hybrid and electric powertrains are swiftly replacing conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs).

Suffice it to say that hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are becoming popular, thanks to their low or zero emissions (fewer environmental effects) and impressive fuel economy.

We have provided a detailed guide and comparison to clarify the concept of how these hybrids work and what distinguishes one from the other.

What is Hybrid?

Unlike conventional gasoline vehicles, the power in hybrids comes from a petrol engine and an electric motor combined. Hybrid cars are equipped with a system that allows the engine and electric motor to manage the power-matching output requirement. At low speeds, electric motors accelerate the vehicle, whereas, in other high-demand situations, the system powers the wheels, combining the output coming from the electric motor and gasoline engine.

If you own a hybrid, you may feel it like owning a traditional vehicle; you’ll still need to refuel at gas stations with no worries to plug in for recharge. It also is similar to a conventional car when it comes to maintenance. Add-ons like commuting within the city with zero fuel consumption, regenerative braking, and very low emissions are the additional perks.

The trade-offs which are not normally discussed are:

• It can cost high in terms of servicing
• Not much more powerful compared to other electric vehicles
• Concerning emissions, they are not as environment friendly as other EVs and plug-in hybrid cars are

Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) Vs Hybrid

If you fast-forward, you will find the plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in the next step. These PHEVs lie somewhere between hybrid and fully electric vehicles. They are built on a similar concept to hybrids, with a significant difference in their ability to charge externally using a standard household outlet.

Answering how it works? It’s quite simple to explain. Well, a PHEV like Toyota 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Ford Escape, relies on two power sources including a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a battery. You can use battery for shorter trips (max 40 miles) like navigating within a city. Whilst, engine kicks in sharp after the battery is depleted.

Comparing a plug-in hybrid car with a regular hybrid, it comes with a higher-capacity battery. In some cases, you may observe a more powerful electric motor, too, to stretch the driving range.

Further explaining the difference, unlike conventional hybrids, which can only run for a mile or two on electric power at low speeds, PHEVs boast a much larger electric range, lasting anywhere from 10 to 40 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in.

A Pakistani’s Take

In Pakistan, where fuel prices and electricity tariffs are record high, cruising a PHEV on roads doesn’t make any considerable difference, especially when you have to use external power to charge the battery to stretch your longer journeys. However, in this case, hybrids lag PHEV. Conventional hybrid vehicles make your inter-city shorter, commute electricity, and are fuel-free. Moreover, no external charging makes it possible to save electricity costs.

HEVs Vs. PHEVs Vs. Regular Hybrids

Starting with how hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) work, these cars come with electric motor and an internal combustion (ICE). Add-ons are low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

HEVs are like mini power plants on wheels. They use their gasoline engine to generate electricity and recharge their small battery pack, eliminating the need for plugging in like PHEVs. While HEVs can operate in electric mode for short trips, the limited battery size compared to PHEVs and BEVs restricts this eco-friendly driving range.

Because of their low battery capacity, hybrids cannot be driven in pure electric mode. PHEVs and HEVs are equipped with higher batteries and sometimes motors. One thing more that makes HEVs different from PHEVs is the lack of an external charging system.

Here, HEVs operate like hybrids. Battery is charged through regenerative braking whilst converting this kinetic energy into electrical.

In Pakistan Haval’s HEVs like H6 and Jolion and Toyota’s Corolla Cross are the perfect examples of the segment. Whilst MG HS is the only PHEV in the country.

What are your thoughts regarding this advanced form of hybrids and their use in Pakistan? Tell us in the comments section.