What Is The Difference Between Hybrid And Electric Vehicles?

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you may wonder what the difference is between a hybrid and an electric vehicle. While both types of cars are eco-friendly and can be charged at home, they have different strengths and weaknesses.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are 100% electric and powered by batteries, which means they don’t have an internal combustion engine and never burn any fossil fuels. EVs can be charged at home or public charging stations, which are becoming more commonplace. Some retailers even offer free charging for customers who purchase their vehicles there. Standard EV charging takes 2-3 hours, and fast charging with DC superchargers can take as little as 30 minutes. 

Hybrid cars use an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor to drive the wheels. They combine the benefits of both power sources to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly driving experience.

When a hybrid car starts up, it uses its battery-powered electric motor to get going, which is especially useful for driving at low speeds. The ICE kicks in to help move the wheels as the vehicle accelerates and requires more power. During braking, the hybrid car’s electric motor works in reverse, serving as a generator that recharges the battery pack.

Some hybrid cars also have regenerative braking systems, which capture the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and use it to recharge the battery pack. This is especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic or city driving, where the car frequently slows down and speeds up.

Hybrid cars are designed to be more fuel-efficient than traditional gasoline-powered cars because the electric motor provides extra power when needed, reducing the load on the ICE. This means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, translating into better gas mileage and fewer emissions.

If you’re interested in Kia’s offerings in High Point, NC, the 2023 Sorento Hybrid is a great hybrid option. Starting at $36,690, It never needs to be plugged in and has up to an estimated 655 miles of combined range. The Sorento Hybrid EX combines turbocharged performance with rugged design elements for an all-encompassing, powerful, innovative hybrid driving experience.

The 2023 Kia EV6 is an excellent option if you’re interested in an all-electric vehicle. It has an estimated range of up to 310 miles on a single charge and can be charged from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes using a fast DC supercharger. The EV6 GT was named the 2023 World Performance Car. You have to drive it to believe it.