Hybrid Technology versus Full Electric Cars

Hybrid Technology vs. Full Electric Cars

The looming energy crisis is not far off, adding impetus to the search for viable alternative fuels and transportation methods. Both hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have been around for some years now. GM introduced full electric vehicles quite some time ago and hybrids have been introduced by every automaker from Honda to Ford. However, the technologies used in these two applications are widely different. Which one will stand the test of time? Which technology will rise to save the daily driver from fuel prices that seem set to put consumers on the track for bankruptcy?

Full electric vehicles are the dream of many automakers. Rather, electric vehicles with unlimited range are the dream of automakers. Today’s electric cars are sadly lacking when it comes to range of driving. For instance, they are fine for puttering around town for a few minutes each day, but don’t try taking a longer trip in one. The charge time for the batteries is usually overnight, meaning that if you become stranded, you’re stuck that way. This is the major contributing factor (other than sheer cost) to the unpopularity of fully electric vehicles.

Hybrids, on the other hand, combine electric technology with an internal combustion engine, giving them the range that their fully electric cousins lack. However, these vehicles are only capable of saving around 20% on your average fuel bill. In addition, they still produce emissions, though they are less than an equivalently sized vehicle without hybrid technology. In a hybrid, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine work in tandem. The electric motor powers the vehicle at low speeds, while the ICE takes over at higher speeds, such as highway driving.

In addition, the ICE shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop. When it is time to continue moving, the electric motor starts the engine back up, and off you go. Of course, this is not without a noticeable performance difference, but dedicated hybrid owners swear they don’t mind. The electric motor is powered by batteries, but the car does not have to be plugged in overnight. The batteries are recharged through regenerative braking and the use of a generator, powered by the internal combustion engine.

As of today, the hybrid reigns supreme over the electric car. Will it stay that way? The new line of advanced hybrids coming out in the near future is closer to full electrics, so the hybrid’s days may be numbered.