For those curious about electric vehicles, it’s essential to grasp a few key terms and acronyms. Traditional gas-powered cars feature an internal combustion engine (ICE), known for producing the most emissions. On the other end are battery-electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs), powered solely by a battery connected to an electric motor. BEVs require plugging in to charge, and their environmental impact depends on the battery’s composition and the local electricity grid. However, research consistently shows that EVs produce fewer lifetime emissions than ICE vehicles.

Hybrids, which fall between these two extremes, can be categorized into three main types: mild hybrids, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.

Mild Hybrids:
Mild hybrids utilize larger-than-standard alternators to assist the gas engine. This setup allows the gas engine to shut off when coasting or idling, slightly improving fuel economy by about 10-15%. However, this technology is becoming less of a focus for automakers.

Hybrids (HEVs):
Hybrids combine gas engines with electric motors powered by batteries, without needing a plug. The electric motor charges via the gas engine and regenerative braking. The electric motor handles low-power tasks like coasting or stop-and-go traffic, while the gas engine takes on more demanding driving tasks like accelerating and climbing hills.

Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs):
Plug-in hybrids have both electric motors and gas engines, and they can be charged using standard outlets or chargers. PHEVs have smaller batteries than fully electric vehicles, typically providing 20 to 50 miles of electric range. Once the battery is depleted, PHEVs function like regular hybrids, using gas. Their emissions depend on how often they are charged and whether they primarily run on electric power or gasoline.

By understanding these distinctions, car buyers can make informed decisions about which type of hybrid best suits their needs and environmental goals.