Curious about what a hybrid vehicle has to offer? Hybrids are a fan-favorite option (looking at you, Prius) for drivers who want to spend less at the pump, emit fewer tailpipe emissions, and more. In this article, we’ll explore hybrids further and highlight their benefits.
How do hybrid vehicles work?
Before grasping the benefits, it is crucial to understand the fundamentals. Hybrid vehicles use a combination of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and a battery-powered electric motor. They switch between or combine both power sources to optimize performance. At lower speeds, when less power is needed, a hybrid (also known as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV) will utilize its battery to power itself. Then, at higher speeds, the ICE will kick in to take over the more power-demanding work. Typically, at speeds over 15 mph or when the battery is depleted, the gas engine enables.
Two different types of hybrid vehicles
There are two types of hybrids available on the market: (i) Standard Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and (ii) Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). HEVs, the more popular type, charge their batteries through regenerative braking, through which the car’s forward momentum is converted into electric power to charge the battery when the brakes are applied. These are the type that have been around for quite a while now.
PHEVs, as the name might suggest, can be charged by plugging into an EV charger. PHEVs have much larger batteries than standard hybrids and can go further on electric power alone. They can travel around 20 to 50 miles and go highway speeds using just electric power, depending on the battery size and vehicle type . Accelerating more quickly may make the gas engine kick on. This makes them a viable option for commuting to work or using for daily activities solely on electric power. Then, when going on a long trip, the ICE ensures you won’t have to stop and charge, but rather just hit the gas pump like normal. [3], [4].
Top benefits of Hybrid Vehicles
Now that we understand a bit more about this type of vehicle, let’s dive into some of their featured benefits.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Compared to their conventional counterparts, hybrid vehicles attain better fuel economy, resulting in much less spent at the pump. For example, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has an estimated 50 miles per gallon (MPG) combined city-and-highway EPA fuel economy. In contrast, the fuel economy of the standard Corolla is 35 MPG, meaning the hybrid boasts a 40% improvement. [6].
PHEVs can do even better. Since PHEVs more further rely on electric power, their fuel efficiency is measured differently compared to HEVs and ICE-based vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are the most common metrics to measure to evaluate the performance. PHEVs in electric mode can achieve over 130 MPGe and can travel up to 100 miles using only 25 to 40 kWh, depending on driving conditions [5].
Reduced Carbon Emissions
The transportation sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Hybrid vehicles can play a vital role in addressing this and protecting the environment by carbon emissions. Hybrids emit no tailpipe emissions when using their electric motor, and PHEVs can further reduce emissions by relying even less on gasoline.
Even when accounting for the entire lifecycle of the vehicle (from production to grave) and the source of electricity used to charge PHEVs, hybrids produce less pollution and are the right direction for clean energy. Electric motors used in hybrids are also more efficient at using energy than gasoline engines, with studies showing EVs convert over 75% of energy from the grid to power at the wheels, while conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels [7].
Quieter Performance
Hybrids are almost silent when running on their electric engine. This can produce a more pleasant and serene driving experience. No more engine noise to disrupt a phone call or a podcast you’re listing to.
Easy to Adapt to
Compared to fully electric vehicles, also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), hybrids are easier to adapt to in terms of charging. BEVs require slow charging overnight at home, or using fast chargers in town. Users may want to install a fast charging system in their home. BEVs also have range limits, going about 200 – 300 miles on a full charge. This requires stopping and charging for periods when on a long journey after reaching the range limit.
Standard hybrids, alternatively, do not require user charging. As mentioned, their battery is simply charged by regenerative braking. They also don’t have range limits, being able to simply swing in for regular fill-ups as needed. This can make transitioning to a hybrid easier for someone coming from an ICE vehicle. PHEVs are the exception, as they do require being plugged in to be charged. However, they can also solely rely on their gas engine [8].
Infrastructure Availability
People who do opt for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can take advantage of the large infrastructure of EV chargers. If needing to charge away from home, users will be able to find more and more public charging stations strategically placed at places like grocery stores and even their place of employment. Public charging stations are increasing day by day, and in the United States (US) there are more than 60,000 charging stations as of 2024, offering more than 162,000 charging ports [6].
Energy Security and Resilience
The transportation sector represents about 30% of the total energy demand in the U.S. and is responsible for 70% of its petroleum consumption. Transitioning to more energy-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids, not only supports the U.S. economy but also enhances the diversity of the transportation fleet. Electricity generated through various sources that can contribute to a more reliable energy supply for electric vehicles. All this strengthens national energy security and provides resilience against natural disasters and disruptions in fuel supply [6].
Hybrids typically consume less fuel than traditional vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can operate entirely on electricity generated from various domestic sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear power, wind, hydropower, and solar energy. This shift towards electrification not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances the overall security of the energy system. As society continues to invest more in clean energy, the infrastructure will only become more viable [6].
Conclusion
So, is it worth it to buy a hybrid? The answer is yes. Hybrid vehicles are a great choice for those looking to spend less on fuel and help protect the planet without fully converting to an all-electric vehicle. As a bonus, there are also generous tax credits and incentives for purchasing hybrid vehciles. Hybrids might shine brightest for those who usually drive within cities in congested traffic, where the electric motor and regenerate braking can most be taken advantage of [9], [10].
References
[1] IEA, “Global EV Outlook 2024 – Trends in electric cars,” International Energy Agency (IEA). [Online]. Available: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2023
[2] M. M. Lyati, “What Are The Benefits of a Hybrid and Electric Car?,” Muneer Mujahed Lyati. [Online]. Available: https://www.muneerlyati.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-hybrid-and-electric-car/
[3] W. Clarke, “What Are the Benefits of Driving a Hybrid Vehicle?,” US News & World Report. [Online]. Available: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/what-are-the-benefits-of-driving-a-hybrid-vehicle
[4] BYJU’S, “What is hybrid vehicle technology? Explain its advantages with a suitable example?,” BYJU’S. [Online]. Available: https://byjus.com/question-answer/what-is-hybrid-vehicle-technology-explain-its-advantages-with-a-suitable-example-1/
[5] US DOE, “Hybrid Electric Vehicles,” United States Department of Energy. [Online]. Available: https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric-basics-hev
[6] US DOE, “Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations,” United States Department of Energy. [Online]. Available: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity-benefits
[7] EMF, “Advantages of Hybrid Electric Vehicles: What You Need To Know,” Electric Motor Feed. [Online]. Available: https://electricmotorfeed.com/advantages-of-hybrid-electric-vehicle/
[8] L. Yap, “Benefits of Hybrid Electric Vehicles,” GreenCars. [Online]. Available: https://www.greencars.com/greencars-101/benefits-of-hybrid-electric-vehicles
[9] S. Safdie, “Are Hybrid Electric Vehicles Worth it?,” Leaf By Greenly. [Online]. Available: https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/company-guide/are-hybrid-electric-vehicles-worth-it
[10] Firestone, “Do Hybrids Last Longer Than Regular Cars | Firestone Complete Auto Care,” Firestone Complete Auto Care. [Online]. Available: https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/longevity-of-hybrid-cars/#
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