What’s the difference between hybrid and electric vehicles?

Car shopping looks a little different nowadays thanks to new powertrains. All those new options can get confusing; HEV, BEV, PHEV – what’s the difference? At San Jose Mitsubishi, the Outlander PHEV is one of our best-selling new electric vehicles, and we want to help our customers understand what it is and how it works. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between hybrid and electric vehicles and how to find the right one for you.

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Hybrid vs. Electric

When you’re shopping for a new vehicle, you might notice some new terms like “electrified” when referring to the powertrain. That can cover all types of hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and knowing the differences will help you make the right choice. A hybrid electric vehicle, or HEV, combines the internal combustion engine you’re used to with a battery-powered motor. Most hybrids will allow you to switch between drive modes that allow you to choose settings like full electric, hybrid or eco mode, and normal. To power the battery, all you need to do is hit the brake as you’re driving. This is known as regenerative braking, which makes use of the kinetic energy from hitting the brakes to send a small surge of power to the battery.

Electric vehicles eliminate the combustion engine and fuel altogether. One or two electric motors provide the power, while a battery supplies the charge. Instead of fueling up at a gas station, the vehicle is powered by a charging station. Electric vehicles have three charge levels from 1-3, giving options to power up whether you’re at home or on the road. A Level 1 charger uses the same power outlet you’d use to charge your phone or vacuum, while a Level 2 is a specially-installed power outlet that cuts charging time in half. Level 3 charging, or DC fast-charging, is what you might come across at a public charging station. It’s the fastest method of charging your electric vehicle.

So, what’s a PHEV?

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is like a combination between a hybrid and electric. There’s your internal combustion engine as well as the same type of electric motor as an EV. Instead of regenerative braking, the power supply comes from plugging in the vehicle just like you would an electric vehicle. The batteries are smaller, significantly cutting the charging time while offering up a good amount of battery-powered driving. Like a hybrid, there are typically several drive modes that you can choose from to suit your trip. The Outlander PHEV, for example, has seven drive modes – Normal, Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud – that can take you to the grocery store or off-road trails.

Shop for Your EV at San Jose Mitsubishi

Now that you have an idea of the differences between hybrid and electric vehicles, you can find your next electrified model at San Jose Mitsubishi! Shop our selection of used hybrid and EVs, or check out the new 2023 Outlander PHEV. Want to test one out for yourself? Contact us today!

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