The difference between an electric car and a hybrid car.

The automotive industry is more and more focused on the environment, as we can see with the arrival of numerous hybrid and electric models. Manufacturers are sharing their goals when it comes to new hybrid and electric vehicles and are taking action to make these happen.

Are you hesitating between a hybrid and electric vehicle? Which will best suited to your needs? With your Volkswagen dealership, Complexe VW 440 in Laval, close to Terrebonne, Montreal North and the North Shore of Montreal, we help you make the right decision.

Hybrid vs plug-in hybrid vehicle: what’s the difference and how do they work?

Firstly, let’s mention that hybrid (plug-in or not) and electric vehicles are following the current trends when it comes to the environment and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Hybrid vehicle powertrains include one fuel engine and at least one electric motor. They are increasingly powerful and will allow you to save a significant amount of money on fuel.

What are the differences between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles, like the Toyota Prius for example, are increasingly powerful and ensure peace of mind with the combination of a fuel engine and an electric motor. These two sources of energy almost always work together and will help you save around 30 % on fuel compared to a vehicle that relies solely on a combustion engine. The battery charges automatically while you are driving thanks to the fuel engine that works in this case the same way a generator would.

Plug-in hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius Prime and some BMW models, for example, work for you while you are driving. With a battery with a larger capacity, you will be able to drive in full electric mode (between 30 and 70 km or so). The electric motor recharges as you are driving, which means that you can drive over greater distances.

If you often drive in an urban setting and just sometimes need a vehicle for longer distances, a plug-in hybrid would be a great choice for you, given that you won’t have to stop on the way to charge your vehicle. Moreover, city dwellers often prefer this type of vehicle for their shorter daily commute.

Finally, new plug-in hybrid vehicles remain admissible to government incentives.

So, both of these vehicles (plug-in or not) are a good choice and offer peace of mind at the wheel. They are energy efficient cars, which help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases.

Hybrid cars, whether they are plug-in or not, are increasingly popular. The longer electric ranges provide you with an excellent price-quality ratio. Depending on your specific needs, you might prefer one to the other, but at least now you have a better understanding of how they work. We will get back to this later.

Electric vs hydrogen vehicle: what are they and how do they work?

First and foremost, the main objective of an electric car or a hydrogen car is to allow for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

An electric vehicle works with an electric motor that is fed by one or several batteries. Since this type of vehicle does not burn gas, it does not pollute, which makes it a clean electric vehicle.

Nowadays, electric vehicles are increasingly popular on the roads. The future Volkswagen ID.Buzz, the future German ID.7 or the future ID.4 SUV are among the best electric SUVs in Quebec. All three of these electric vehicles offer excellent electric ranges.

When it comes to hydrogen cars, they offer features that are comparable to electric cars, but what truly makes them stand out is the electrical source. Inside such a vehicle, like the Toyota Mirai for example, there is a battery filled with hydrogen that reacts with oxygen in order to produce electricity.

In an electric vehicle, it is the lithium-ion battery that produces energy, while in the hydrogen vehicle it is the hydrogen battery that allows the vehicle to move. The only problem with a hydrogen car is that it must be refilled with hydrogen at specific gas stations.

Finally electric vehicles offered by Volkswagen Canada are more and more popular and offer a new way of cruising the streets. Throughout the years, manufacturers have been creating new ways for these technologies to evolve and offer vehicles with impressive electric ranges. This means that you will now be able to leave for long adventures without having to stop to recharge on the way.

You might want to take a look at these articles:

• Volkswagen iD.4 specs
• Volkswagen iD.7 specs
• Volkswagen iD.Buzz specs

Hybrid vs plug-in hybrid: pros and cons

We have already mentioned the main differences between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons in this summary table:

Using this summary table as a starting point, we will look into the pros and cons between a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle, so that you can have a more complete picture than just hybrid vs plug-in hybrid.

Hybrid (and plug-in hybrid) vs electric vehicle: pros and cons

Takeaway: hybrid or electric?

In the end, it is possible to conclude that electric vehicles offer more for your money. The technology used on electric cars is developing quickly and automobile manufacturers offer vehicles with greater electric ranges, power and an even more generous towing capacity for Volkswagen SUVs.

Come and discover all of the electric vehicles offered by your Complexe VW 440 dealership in Laval, close to Terrebonne, Montreal-North and the North Shore of Montreal. Take advantage of our current Volkswagen special offers in Laval and our advantageous Volkswagen financing solutions. A passionate team of experts is waiting for you!

Tableau comparatif