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What's the difference between an electric car and a hybrid car?
Every year there are more hybrid cars on Polish roads, they are much more common than electric ones. These terms should not be used interchangeably, which is often the case due to the lack of precise knowledge about the exact operation of the drive in a given model. Contrary to what you may sometimes hear, an electric car and a hybrid are not the same. Particular models can significantly differ from each other in terms of the operation of the drive system.
Electric cars do not have combustion engines, they are powered only by electricity and are not equipped with an exhaust system. Zero emissions is certainly the best solution for the environment.
The growing popularity of electric and hybrid cars is visible all over the world. This is due to rising fuel prices and the negative impact of exhaust gases on the environment. Most European capitals have charging stations for electric cars. Hybrids are now much more popular because they allow you to move freely over greater distances. The long charging time of the batteries and the relatively small number of charging stations can effectively discourage the purchase of an electric car.
How does an electric car work?
Electric cars, commonly known as electricians, move only thanks to the operation of an electric motor. In a situation where the electricity runs out, unfortunately, the driver is forced to charge the vehicle in a time-consuming way. Battery technology is still being developed, but at the moment it leaves a lot to be desired. Despite the short-range at present, electric cars have many advantages. Compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines, they are much less emergency. The issue of the lack of emissions of harmful substances in the form of exhaust gases is certainly also important. Electric cars are also characterized by great acceleration, which shortens the reaction time and thus facilitates precise maneuvering of the vehicle. Batteries, most often placed under the floor, are a much safer solution than gas or fuel systems, which pose an additional risk in the event of an accident. European countries support drivers using electric cars by enabling them to park for free in the very center. They can also use additional lanes while driving, which allows them to get to their destination faster during rush hour.
What is a hybrid car?
Hybrid cars use both an internal combustion engine and an electric engine. The gasoline or diesel engine is most often used to charge the batteries, but in some models, it is also used to assist the electric drive. Some cars can also be charged, similarly to electric options, with the help of appropriate stations. For this reason, not everyone knows exactly what a hybrid car is. In order not to make this mistake, it is worth reading the following information regarding the differences between the motors and the way the drive works.
What types of hybrid cars are there?
The most common way of classifying hybrid cars concerns the engines used in a given model. The least advanced solution is a micro-hybrid, which, contrary to appearances, is not powered by an electric motor. It has a similar function to an alternator in that it charges the battery when braking or decelerating. On some models, the electric motor also drives the crankshaft when the vehicle is started. Micro hybrids are driven by an internal combustion engine or a diesel engine.
There are also mild hybrids that are a bit more complicated from a technical point of view. In this case, the electric motor supports the operation of the combustion unit during acceleration of the vehicle and, as in the case of a micro-hybrid, it charges the batteries during braking.
The most complicated solution is full hybrids, which, unlike the examples above, can be powered by an electric motor. It is undoubtedly the most advanced and desirable form of integration of the operation of the electric and internal combustion engines.
What are the types of hybrid drives?
Hybrid cars can also be divided in terms of the mode of operation of the drive-in a given vehicle. You can distinguish, among others:
– serial hybrid drive,
– parallel hybrid drive,
– series-parallel hybrid drive.
Series hybrid drive applies to vehicles whose internal combustion engine is responsible for driving an electric current generator. In this solution, it is not connected to the drive wheels and the excess energy is transferred to the batteries. In the case of parallel drive, the internal combustion engine is connected to the wheels and can run parallel to the electric unit driving the vehicle. The series-parallel hybrid drive is a combination of the above solutions.
When should you buy an electric car?
An electric car is currently a solution found only in larger cities with a network of electric vehicle charging stations. Before buying, it is worth paying attention to the availability of this type of infrastructure in the area. An electric car works well in densely populated metropolises if we have no more than 100 kilometers to drive a day. It is worth checking what discounts are available for electrician owners in a given country or whether it is not possible to apply for support in the form of purchase co-financing.