With the advancement of automotive technology and the rise of environmental awareness, hybrid vehicles have become a new choice for many consumers to buy cars. Among hybrid vehicles, range extension and plug-in hybrid are two technology directions that have attracted much attention. So, which is better, a range-extended hybrid or a plug-in hybrid? This article will address this issue by analyzing how both work, the technical benefits, and the experience of using them.
First of all, for the extended-range hybrid, it uses a fuel cell as the main energy source, supplemented by a battery pack. Fuel cells produce electricity through the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, which is powered by an electric motor. The battery pack is mainly used to store and release electrical energy and provide auxiliary power. This design allows the extended-range hybrid to have a high range on long distances, as the fuel cell can continuously provide electrical energy. On the other hand, the battery pack can meet the needs of daily driving and reduce the dependence on fuel cells during short distances.
Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, rely primarily on battery packs for power. The battery pack is charged by an external power source and powered by an electric motor. Compared to extended-range hybrids, plug-in hybrids have a larger battery capacity and are able to provide a longer all-electric driving range. When the battery is discharged, the engine starts, which is powered by a generator that generates electricity and charges the battery at the same time. This design allows plug-in hybrid models to have the advantage of zero emissions, low noise in pure electric drive mode, and can continue to run on fuel after the battery is depleted.
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