With the increasing prosperity of the new energy vehicle market, the two technical routes of gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid have gradually become the focus of consumers' attention. Although they are all hybrid models, there are significant differences in terms of drive energy, performance, fuel consumption and cost. So, which one is better for you? Let's demystify them.
1. Drive energy: the perfect integration of manpower and electricity?
A hybrid car, like a tandem bike in a park, has two main powers: a fuel engine and a battery. The fuel engine works all the way, while the battery provides auxiliary power when needed, such as when starting and accelerating. This combination enables gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles to achieve low fuel consumption while ensuring power.
Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, are more like e-bikes with pedals. It has a larger battery pack that can be charged from an external power source. With enough power, plug-in hybrid vehicles can be driven entirely by electric power and achieve zero-emission driving. When the battery is depleted, the fuel engine will take over the power output to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle.
2. Performance: a contest of speed and passion
When it comes to acceleration, plug-in hybrids offer a clear advantage. Due to their larger battery pack capacity, which can provide more powerful electric drive, plug-in hybrids tend to easily outperform their peers when accelerating. This has been fully demonstrated in performance tests in the hybrid era, where eight of the top 10 models are plug-in hybrids.
3. Fuel consumption cost: who is more fuel-efficient?
Under full charge, plug-in hybrid vehicles can be used as pure electric vehicles with zero fuel consumption. For short-distance driving scenarios such as commuting, plug-in hybrid vehicles are undoubtedly a more fuel-efficient choice as long as the power is sufficient and convenient charging conditions are available.
However, if the daily range is longer than the battery's range, then the hybrid car is more fuel-efficient. Because the battery pack of a hybrid vehicle is small, it cannot be charged by an external power source, so it can only rely on the synergy of fuel and electric motor to achieve optimal driving conditions. In this case, the fuel consumption performance of a hybrid vehicle will be better than that of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Fourth, the cost and maintenance of the car
In terms of car purchase cost, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in the same class are usually cheaper than plug-in hybrid vehicles. This is because plug-in hybrid vehicles require larger capacity battery packs and associated charging infrastructure, resulting in relatively high manufacturing costs.
In terms of maintenance, the difference between the two models is not obvious. Although they both have engines and electric motors, the maintenance items and costs of the two are basically the same in actual use, because the fuel engine of a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle works all the way, while a plug-in hybrid vehicle can be completely driven by electricity in some scenarios.
Fifth, the licensing policy and charging conditions
In terms of licensing policies, plug-in hybrid vehicles can enjoy subsidies from the national new energy policy, are exempt from purchase tax, and can be licensed green. Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles need to be licensed in accordance with the standards of fuel vehicles. However, in some cities such as Guangzhou, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles have special energy-saving brand indicators, although they also have to be lottery, but the winning rate is relatively high.
When choosing a plug-in hybrid vehicle, charging conditions are a special consideration. If you have convenient charging conditions, such as having your own charging station or a public charging station nearby, then a plug-in hybrid car is undoubtedly a better choice. Otherwise, in the case of inconvenient charging, a gasoline-electric hybrid car may be more suitable for you.
Summary
Diesel-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid have their own advantages and disadvantages, and which one to choose depends entirely on your actual needs and use case. If you have convenient charging conditions and don't have a long driving range per day, plug-in hybrids are a greener and more economical option. And if you need to drive long distances often or the charging conditions are inconvenient, then a gasoline-electric hybrid car is more suitable for you. Whichever you choose, make sure it meets your mobility needs and gives you an enjoyable driving experience.