What is the difference between a (fully) electric car and a hybrid?

Frits Pieper
November 19 2019

Since you joined us you can rent an electric car, we are often asked: what are the differences between, and the advantages and disadvantages of, a fully electric car and a (plug-in) hybrid car?

(Plug-in) hybrid

A hybrid car has two engines: an electric motor and an (economical) combustion engine. A full hybrid car can in principle drive completely electrically. This is in contrast to a mild hybrid, where the electric motor only supports the combustion engine during acceleration.

Although one full hybrid car can also run on fuel alone, most hybrid cars make 'smart' use of both engines. The electric motor accelerates silently and at higher speeds the combustion engine takes over (mostly) the work. The electric motor jumps in when extra power is needed, for example when you accelerate to overtake someone. 

Standard hybrids cannot be charged externally. The battery is recharged while driving by using energy released during braking and/or by using excess power from the combustion engine. In a plug-in hybrid, however, the battery can also be charged by plugging the plug into a power outlet. Thanks to their larger battery packs, these plug-in hybrids can now cover respectable distances.

Fully electric

Fully electric cars have only an electric motor and run solely on electricity, supplied by the battery. Because no fossil fuels are burned, the emissions are zero.

An example of a fully electric car is the Hyundai IONIQ Electric, which has recently been available for rent from us. The electric motor of this car delivers 100 kW, good for 136 hp. Thanks to the torque of 295 Nm available directly from a standstill, this 5-seater sedan sprints from 10 to 0 km/h in under 100 seconds. Due to the battery capacity of 38 kWh, the realistic range of this electric car (based on EVDB Real Range) is 265 km. After that, you will have to charge the battery. With a fast charger, you will be on the road again within an hour.
Finally, there are also electric cars that run on electricity, but which have a small combustion engine - a so-called range extender – recharges the battery when it is about to run out. Although this combustion engine does not directly drive the car, you cannot speak of a fully electric vehicle here.

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