Here are the differences between a mild hybrid, strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric car:
Mild Hybrid:
Mild hybrids have a smaller electric motor compared to other hybrid types.
The electric motor assists the internal combustion engine but cannot solely power the vehicle.
They use regenerative braking to recharge the battery, improving fuel efficiency.
Mild hybrids cannot be plugged in to charge their battery; the battery is typically charged through the engine and regenerative braking.
Strong Hybrid:
Strong or full hybrids have a larger electric motor and battery than mild ones.
They can operate using solely the electric motor at low speeds or for short distances.
Strong hybrids employ regenerative braking to recharge the battery and improve efficiency.
These hybrids can switch between using the internal combustion engine and the electric motor or use both simultaneously, offering better fuel efficiency than mild hybrids.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV):
Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery than traditional ones, allowing for extended electric-only driving range.
They can be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery, offering flexibility and reducing reliance on the internal combustion engine.
Plug-in hybrids can operate in electric-only mode until the battery charge is depleted, after which they function like traditional hybrids.
These hybrids offer the advantage of reduced emissions and fuel consumption during electric-only driving, making them more environmentally friendly for short trips.
Fully Electric Car (EV):
Fully electric cars run solely on electric power, utilizing large batteries to store energy.
They do not have an internal combustion engine and produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Electric cars must be plugged into an external power source to charge their batteries, typically from the electrical grid or dedicated charging stations.
EVs offer the longest electric-only range compared to other hybrid types. Still, they may require longer charging times and have limited infrastructure for long-distance travel compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.