What’s the difference between a hybrid car and an electric car? We explain everything you need to know about these two types of cars - and how you can start driving an electric car with Onto.
Are you ready to pack in your petrol car? If you’ve started exploring the alternatives, you’ve probably read about electric cars and you may have come across a few types of hybrid cars.
Are hybrids and electric cars the same? Should you choose an electric car instead of a plug-in hybrid car? In this article, we’ll explain what a hybrid car is, how the different types of hybrids work, why electric cars are in a class of their own - and how Onto can make the transition from petrol to electric easier than ever.
A hybrid car is one that runs on both petrol and electric power. Like conventional petrol cars, they have internal combustion engines, but like electric cars, they also have batteries.
A hybrid is a more eco-friendly option than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, but it’s no match for an electric car. Hybrids may produce lower emissions than petrol cars, but electric cars produce no emissions. Plus, a hybrid may have an electric battery, but it’ll still need petrol to run properly.
The primary difference between standard and plug-in hybrids is that standard hybrids are self-charging and plug-in hybrids can use standalone chargers.
In a standard hybrid car, petrol generates power to charge the battery. Once the battery is charged, the car can run on electric power, but when the battery runs out, the car runs on petrol. If a standard hybrid’s battery is running low, it’s not possible to stop at a charging point to power up - the battery can’t be charged separately.
A plug-in hybrid is closer to an electric car, but it can’t run exclusively on electric power. Plug-in hybrids have batteries that aren’t charged solely by petrol, but that doesn’t mean it’s possible to drive one without petrol in the tank. It’s possible to charge a plug-in hybrid at a charging point, and it can appear as though it runs like an electric car, but it will always need petrol to run properly.
An electric car runs entirely on electric power. It doesn’t need any petrol, it doesn’t have an ICE, and it doesn’t produce any emissions - compared to both ICE and hybrid cars, an electric car is a cleaner and often more cost-effective choice.
If you’re interested in seeing how electric cars compare to the two types of hybrids, we’ve prepared an overview of the key points below:
| Standard hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | Electric car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | ICE engine and battery | ICE engine and battery | Battery |
| Charging | Internal, battery charged by ICE | Internal and external, battery charged by plug-in charger or ICE | External, battery charged at charging points |
| Emissions | Lower than an ICE but still significant | Lower than an ICE but still significant | No emissions |
| Anticipated fuel costs | High, with current petrol prices | Lower than a standard hybrid, but likely still high with petrol required | Free with your Onto subscription |
It’s easy to see why electric cars are the way forward - and it’s even easier to start driving one with Onto. To start your electric car subscription, simply sign up online, complete your registration, and book your first car.
And every Onto subscription is all-inclusive - we’ve taken care of everything you need to go electric: insurance, maintenance, and even free public charging options.
For an all-in monthly fee, enjoy all the benefits of car ownership, but none of the hassle.
