Difference Between Hybrid and Electric

Is a Hybrid the Same as an Electric Car?

Battery power is here to stay in the auto market, and in fact, electric vehicles are only becoming more popular. These days, you now have more electric vehicles available to you than ever, but if you are unfamiliar with your options, we understand things can be a bit confusing.

For example, some drivers may not understand the difference between a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle. Are they the same thing? No, they’re not. Do they both have an electric battery? Yes, they do. So, what exactly separates the two? Let’s find out.

Hybrid vs Electric Differences

Although both a hybrid and electric car have a battery, you’ll have very different driving experiences from one to the other. For one, hybrid models are powered by both gas and electricity.

Using the combination of an electric motor and a gasoline engine, a hybrid model offers you excellent efficiency while still using gasoline as the primary fuel source. The electric battery supplements this, and that’s where the fuel efficiency boost comes from. Using regenerative braking, the battery can stay charged without you having to plug it in, though plug-in hybrid models do exist that allow you to operate briefly on all-electric power.

An electric car, on the other hand, uses absolutely no gasoline. It is powered only by the electric battery. You can charge it up at home or at a public charging station when necessary. Instead of paying for gas, you pay for the electricity it requires to charge up the battery.

[Read more: Are Honda Hybrid Vehicles Reliable?]

Now that you understand the difference between these vehicles, it’s time to get behind the wheel. If you have further questions or want to take a model for a spin, get in touch with us here at Honda of Sumner. We can set you up with the right car for you.