Hybrid cars combine a gas engine with an electric motor to help them consume less fuel than a conventional vehicle. Electric vehicles rely 100% on being plugged in to charge and have a range depending on the driving style to offer a near zero carbon footprint. You are probably aware of the advantages of owning a hybrid or electric vehicle, and might enjoy seeing the different types available.
Parallel Hybrid
The most popular type of hybrid, these vehicles can be powered by the engine, electric motor, or both at the same time depending upon the speed you are driving. The electric motor propels you at lower speeds, while the gas engine jumps in as your speed increases. These vehicles also have a regenerative braking system that produces electricity, which means that when you brake, the vehicle uses this momentum to recharge your batteries to use later.
Range Extender Hybrid
These cars are driven only by their electric motor or electric motors. The gas engine acts as an additional power source to produce electricity for a generator that recharges the electric batteries, allowing the vehicle to go further than it would on a normal charge.
Plug-In Hybrids
Most people recognize these hybrids, which can be plugged into an electric outlet to recharge their batteries. There are also more and more charging stations available along the road today. These hybrids have a conventional engine, but they also have a larger battery so they can drive longer distances using electric power.
Electric
Electric cars are growing in popularity with consumer demand and some even have dual motors making for All Wheel Drive platforms that secure 0-60mph times under 3 seconds, making them some of the fastest cars on the planet. These fully-electric vehicles do not include a fuel counterpart like a hybrid or any exhaust tips. The lithium-ion battery is charged using a wall connector or charging station.
Many of these vehicles come with integrated trip planners and you can also use online trip planners to locate charging stations that are in a national network that grows every month in North America. The downside, when you are out of charge, you are done until you are charged. Owners love the thought of never adding fuel for the daily commute and they plug in at home for the next day.
Benefits of Driving Hybrid or Electric
Hybrid and electric cars today are similar to conventional vehicles. Many offer a choice of power modes so you can decide if you want your car to deliver more efficiency or performance depending on your preferences. Most hybrids charge their own batteries, which means you can drive further than ever, while the technology in electric vehicles is becoming more advanced year after year.
City drivers will especially benefit from a hybrid or electric car since they use less or no gas. These vehicles also result in fewer emissions. Our inventory has some of the most popular fuel-efficient vehicles on the market today!