Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) are both types of vehicles that incorporate electric power, but they differ in their powertrain configurations and reliance on internal combustion engines.
The main difference between Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is hybrid electric vehicles use internal combustion engines, while battery electric vehicles on electric batteries to power the vehicle. Battery electric vehicles are fully electric vehicles.
Following are some differences between battery electric vehicles and plug-in electric vehicles.
Working Principle
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
A hybrid electric vehicle combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with a battery-powered electric motor to drive the vehicle.
The internal combustion engine runs on gasoline, petrol or diesel. Which is either used to power the electric motor or also to charge the batteries.
In hybrid electric vehicles, the internal combustion engine acts as the main power source, and the electric motor acts as a source.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Battery electric vehicles are fully electric vehicles that run fully on-board battery packs. Battery electric vehicles use 100% electric energy.
Design and Construction
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
A hybrid electric vehicle is similar to plug-in electric vehicles They are heavier than battery electric as they have both electric motors and internal combustion engines.
They are designed to travel for both purposes’ city and longer distance trips, they have rigid construction to carry all the components.
Components in an HEV include the ICE, electric motor, high-voltage battery pack, powertrain control mechanism, and regenerative braking system.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
These vehicles are designed for cities and urban areas. They are lighter in weight as compared to the plug-in electric vehicles as they don’t need rigid design.
Batteries
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
A hybrid electric vehicle uses a high-voltage battery pack to power the electric motor. The battery stores electrical energy that is used to power the electric motor.
The battery is typically a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) pack.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
This battery pack is recharged and reused that why it is called a regenerative battery pack. These are lithium-ion batteries.
Driving Experience and Performance
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
During rapid acceleration or high-speed conditions, the ICE provides most of the driving power. In low-load or low-speed situations, the electric motor supplies the majority of power.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Additionally, EVs can offer competitive performance, with some high-end models achieving impressive acceleration and top speeds.
Electric vehicles are known for their instant torque and smooth acceleration, providing a unique driving experience.
Drive range and refueling and recharging.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles have a longer range than EVs due to their dual power sources, but EVs are more environmentally friendly overall. These vehicles are not limited by drive range as they use internal combustion engines.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
The driving range of battery electric vehicles is 450 km (280 miles). It also depends on the battery pack capacity. Batteries can be charged at charging stations also on household electric supply.
Efficiency
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles offer better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional ICE vehicles.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Electric motors used in EVs are highly efficient, converting a large portion of the energy from the battery into forward motion.
Battery electric vehicles are more energy efficient than plug-in electric vehicles as there are no mechanical elements.
Maintenance and operating costs
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Due to internal combustion engines and electrical systems on board hybrid electric vehicles require more maintenance and operation costs.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
However, battery replacement costs for EVs should be considered in the long term and there are lower mechanical elements that require lower maintenance costs to operate vehicles.
Environmental impacts
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles have a limited electric-only driving range, and they still rely on gasoline for longer distances. As a result, their environmental impact is not as low as BEVs when considering tailpipe emissions.
The environmental impact is generally lower when operating in electric-only mode, but it still depends on the energy sources used for electricity and the efficiency of the internal combustion engine.
HEVs offer better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional ICE vehicles.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Electric vehicles are more eco-friendly operation vehicles as they are fully operated on electrical energy sources.
Zero tailpipe gas emission in battery electric vehicles. The overall impact depends on how the battery electric vehicles are charged.
Charging infrastructure
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles do not require external charging infrastructure, but they have charging systems for the electric motor, which is primarily supplied through regenerative braking.
Hybrid electric vehicles are not dependent on charging stations as they can be alternatively powered by fuel.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Electric vehicles are more eco-friendly operation vehicles as they are fully operated on electrical energy sources.
Zero tailpipe gas emission in battery electric vehicles. The overall impact depends on how the battery electric vehicles are charged.
Upfront cost
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles are generally more expensive than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles but often less expensive than BEVs. The additional cost is attributed to the hybrid powertrain components, including the electric motor and battery.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Battery electric vehicles typically have a higher upfront cost compared to both traditional vehicles and Hybrid electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles may have a higher upfront cost due to the expense of the battery.
Conclusion:
The main difference lies in the power source and reliance on internal combustion engines. HEVs combine both traditional and electric power, while EVs exclusively rely on electric power stored in batteries.