Is A Hybrid An Electric Vehicle?

The EV segment is the result of the global craze of going green. But can hybrid vehicles play their part in this drive against emissions?

This article delves into the basics of how all-electric and hybrid cars operate and what sets them apart.

It also discusses why the world will move away from hybrids with time.

Let’s start by discussing the differences between these two technologies.

Difference Between Hybrid & All-Electric Vehicles

The pivotal difference between an all-electric and a hybrid vehicle is that an all-electric vehicle is fully powered by an electric motor.

However, a hybrid car uses a combination of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) as well as one or several motors to run.

The power is supplied to the motor in both cases by a battery bank.

Can A Hybrid Vehicle Be Considered Electric?

In simple words, a hybrid car can’t be considered an electric vehicle because of the following reasons.

• Electric vehicles must be charged through an external source otherwise they can’t even start. Hybrids on the other hand have an internal combustion engine besides an electric motor. Thus, they can run through the energy provided by combustion;
• When the battery of an all-electric vehicle gets completely discharged, it ceases to operate. However, this never happens in the case of a hybrid vehicle because even when the battery loses its charge, the ICE still runs the car normally;
• Full hybrids can’t be charged from the grid. However, PHEVs can be charged using this mechanism;
• All-electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions whereas due to combustion, hybrids are not free from such pollutants.

These are some of the reasons why a hybrid vehicle can’t be considered an electric vehicle.

Why Hybrid Cars Are Not The Future?

As mentioned above, no matter whether a vehicle is fully hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, in addition to the electric motors, it uses another fuel. This fuel is used for the combustion process.

So, while a hybrid car is partially green, it is not fully free from CO₂ emissions. It is due to these pollutants that hybrids are not considered cars of the future.

Several regions, including the EU, have decided to completely cut down tailpipe emissions soon. Unless a vehicle is completely free from emissions, it doesn’t qualify for this.

This means that hybrids will soon be phased out completely due to their poisonous discharges.

What Are The Future Prospects Of Hybrid Vehicles?

Previously, hybrid vehicles were considered the way to go for going green. However as it turns out, these vehicles might be on the verge of their existence by the end of this decade.

People willing to make the switch from the ICE platform now prefer going all-electric instead of adopting the mid-way hybrid technology. Here are some other aspects which have made this field lackluster.

• The soaring gasoline prices have turned vehicle owners away from ICE and hybrid options;
• After a few years, such hybrids won’t be able to pass the stringent emission standards.

That’s why it makes sense that experts don’t see much of a future for the hybrid vehicle segment.

How Do European Countries React To Hybrid Cars?

According to EU policies, automakers will be barred from terming hybrid cars as sustainable after 2025. This will also keep investors away from the field ultimately draining it of the required resources to survive.

This shows the clear response of the European countries towards hybrid vehicle technology.

What Rules Apply To Them?

The rules of ICE vehicles are partially applicable to hybrid vehicles as well. This is because similar to the ICE vehicles, they also produce harmful chemicals such as nitrogen oxides and CO₂.

Several Europeans consider it as a transition technology that will act as the harbinger between conventionally powered vehicles and all-electric sustainable vehicles.

Final Verdict

So, if you are also planning to replace your ICE vehicle, we recommend that you go all-electric. This technology is more sustainable and future-friendly.