Electric vs hybrid cars: the differences explained
From how they work to how they charge, check out the differences between electric and hybrid cars.
Sure, some similarities are straightforward: all electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions when running on electricity alone. Footnote [1] However, they continue to generate lifecycle emissions, particularly during the manufacturing phase.Footnote [2]
But from there, their lanes diverge. From how they’re charged to how they’re run (or driven), electric and hybrid cars have their own unique features.
So, whether you’re curious about efficiency (financial and environmental) or you’re keen to explore which car can park better into your lifestyle, it’s important to note their main differences. Especially as that may impact your car insurance.
What is an electric car?
An electric car operates using stored electrical power, which means it doesn’t produce exhaust or ‘tailpipe’ emissions when on the road Footnote [2].
What’s tricky, and can be confusing, are how EVs are categorised. There could be anywhere from 2 to 6 ‘types’ of EVs depending on how broadly you define them. After all, hybrid cars are a type of EV (more on this later), so it depends on where you draw the line Footnote [3].
If we focus on any car that uses electricity to run, then the list would include:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
- Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
- Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- Range-extended Electric Vehicles (RE-EV)
- Hydrogen Vehicle (FCEV)
Ultimately, however, there are two different types of EVs:Footnote [1]
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
- Hybrid Vehicles (HEV)
You’re most likely thinking of a BEV when you imagine an electric vehicle. These are powered only by electricity and are known as a ‘pure’ or 100% electric car Footnote [1].
What is a hybrid car?
It’s a type of vehicle that has two different sources of energy, often petrol (or diesel) and electricity. They’re powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor that uses energy stored in batteries Footnote [4]. There are three main types of hybrid vehicles: Footnote [3]
- Full Hybrids (FHEV) or Self Charging Hybrids (also just called ‘hybrids’) – the engine and battery can either run independently or working together. And the energy from the battery can be used to power the vehicle directly (but only for a short distance or at slower speed). This type of hybrid can also drive the wheels.
- Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) – although these are like full hybrids, PHEVs can also be charged from an external power supply.
- Mild Hybrids (MHEV) – the engine drives through a gearbox. Here, the power isn’t delivered to the wheel directly. Rather, the motor generator is an additional part used to help the engine’s performance and efficiency.
Charging electric and hybrid cars
Electric cars are charged using an external power source called a charge point. You may find these in public spaces like large shopping centres, public parking areas or service stations. To charge your EV at home, you’ll need to install a charge point. And it’s worth checking if your workplace has charge points available, too.
You can’t, however, plug in a FHEV or Mild Hybrid to an external source of electricity (like a charge point). Rather, it uses regenerative breaking and the internal combustion engine to charge. A FHEV catches energy normally lost when braking and stores the energy in the battery.Footnote [4]
PHEVs, however, use batteries to power their electric motor and use another fuel (petrol or diesel) to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). Their batteries can be charged using an external electric power source or through regenerative braking, like a HEV Footnote [1].
For more details, check out our article on how much it costs to run and charge an electric vehicle.
Range-extended and Hydrogen cars
- Range Extender – Range extenders operate on batteries that are typically charged from an external source. This power is limited, so for longer trips, the engine will kick in Footnote [3].
- Hydrogen – Hydrogen fuel cell technology functions similarly to a battery. Oxygen and hydrogen are introduced into the cell, where catalysts facilitate the production of water (as invisible superheated steam) and electricity, which then powers the wheels via electric motors Footnote [3].
Car insurance for your hybrid or electric vehicle
Whichever type of car you’re leaning towards, whether you’re exploring hybrid car insurance or electric car insurance, make sure it suits your needs.
Our standard car insurance covers both EVs and Hybrids.
What do I need to get a car insurance quote for my electric or hybrid car?
To make getting a car insurance quote for your electric or hybrid vehicle easier, make sure to have this information on hand:
- Your basic details – name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number.
- Vehicle details – registration number, how many miles you expect the vehicle to drive in the next year, modification, how you’ll use the vehicle, and when you need the cover to start.
- Driver details – driving license, driving history, convictions, claims, employment.
- Additional drivers – information on any additional drivers to be covered.
- Modifications – Any modifications to your vehicle.
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