In 1899 a Belgian electric car set a new land speed record-68 miles per hour. In the 1890s electric cars were beginning to catch on with the general public. Large railroad locomotives were still impractical, but small, electric road-going vehicles seemed possible. However, even with the new batteries, small electric rail cars could not compete with the giant steam-powered locomotives of the day.īy the 1880s, larger secondary batteries became available and there was a renewed interest in electric vehicles. This was a necessity for an electric vehicle to be commercially practical. It was not until the 1860s that inventors devised batteries that could be recharged numerous times. Unfortunately, they required better batteries than those that existed at the time.
On the other hand, and thanks to their total driving range and performance, plug-in hybrids are more suitable for drivers who need to cover longer distances.A recent model of the first commercial hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Toyota Prius.Īlthough electric vehicles seem futuristic, they have actually been around for more than 150 years! The first electric vehicles were small electric rail cars, which were demonstrated in the 1830s.
What car is best for what: electric or plug-in hybrid? In summary and considering that the specific needs of a driver can influence the choice of one vehicle over another, in general terms, it can be concluded that electric vehicles are especially useful for those who drive within the city or near it (because of their longer driving range in electric mode, parking advantages and possibility of driving through restricted areas, etc.). EVs are exempt from such tax, while PHEVs receive a tax credit based on their emission level.
Differences between electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids also affects the vehicle registration tax.
While electric vehicles have the “Zero” label provided by the DGT (the Traffic Authority in Spain), which means that they can be parked for free in regulated parking areas in most of the Spanish cities, plug-in hybrid vehicles only obtain such label when they have a minimum driving range in electric mode of at least 40 kilometres. As we have already explained, the combination of two types of mechanics makes plug-in hybrids offer higher performance in several aspects, like their maximum speed and the already mentioned driving range.ĭGT’s Zero Label. However, thanks to the added value provided by its traditional fuel engine its total range is much better and it may be even longer than that of a traditional vehicle (approx. PHEVs offer a much more limited range in electric mode (generally a maximum of 50 kilometres against the 200 km. Another one of the great differences between plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles lies in their range. Also, their mechanic system is simpler so they require less maintenance.ĭriving range.
The reduced cost per kilometre of electric vehicles makes them more economical in daily use. This does not happen with plug-in vehicles, as when they are using their traditional engine they cause pollution and noise. As electric cars are always powered by their electric engines, they have zero emissions and silent operation.
The first main difference between an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid is that the first one is powered only by an electric engine (which is fed by rechargeable batteries) and the second one has a double power system which combines rechargeable batteries (which are, unlike traditional hybrid cars, charged by plugging them into an electric charging station) plus a back-up gasoline engine. Here we explain to you the differences between the electric vehicle and the plug-in hybrid.Įlectric vehicles are increasingly more relevant in the automobile market, although manufacturers still offer several different options in their catalogues: 100% electric vehicles (BEV or Battery Electric Vehicles), hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEV or Plug-in Electric Vehicles), mild-hybrid… Today, we would like to explain you the main differences between the electric vehicle and the plug-in hybrid, which are two of the most popular choices. Both solutions rely on electric mobility, but in different ways.