There are many key differences between an electric car (EV) and a hybrid, and even more between an EV and a petrol or diesel car (ICE). Electric cars still only have a minority share of the new car market, so you might not be convinced about buying one over a more traditional fuel source right now.
However, that market share is growing rapidly, with 14.4% of all new car sales in 2022 (to June) being battery-powered models. This is up 56% on 2020. What’s more, all new cars will be electric in the near future.
But there are plenty of reasons why buying an electric car is the best option for you. Read on to find out how an EV differs from ICEs and hybrids.
An ICE is defined as any vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. It uses a traditional fuel source (petrol or diesel), a refined form of crude oil. This means ICEs are powered by fossil fuels, so can be highly polluting.
A hybrid car uses two different fuel sources to power the engine. This is usually an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Every hybrid uses the electric motor to make the internal combustion engine more efficient, but many can run solely on electric power.
Alongside the standard type of hybrid car, you can buy a:
Mild Hybrid. These have a very small battery pack which only provides a limited amount of electrical power. This means mild hybrids cannot drive on battery power alone. It is only there to make the ICE more economical.
Plug-in Hybrid. These work like any other hybrid but also have a built-in charge point. This allows you to recharge the batteries with a home or public charging point rather than only relying on ‘regenerative braking’. This also means that a Plug-in Hybrid can travel further in 'fully-electric' mode than a standard hybrid.
Range Extender Hybrids. These are all-electric cars that have a small ICE fitted to charge the battery or power the electric motor when you run out of charge. Even though the ICE doesn't power the wheels, its presence nullifies many of the benefits of electric cars.
Electric Cars |
Hybrid Cars |
Petrol/Diesel Cars |
|
Power |
Battery power only |
Multiple fuel sources |
Internal combustion power only |
Transmission |
Fully automatic with no traditional transmission |
Available in both automatic and manual. Require a traditional transmission. |
Available in both automatic and manual. Require a traditional transmission. |
Mechanical Parts |
Far fewer working mechanical parts |
Hundreds of working mechanical parts |
Hundreds of working mechanical parts |
Maintenance |
Specially trained mechanics needed for servicing |
Specially trained mechanics needed for servicing |
Any qualified mechanic can service them |
Emissions |
Zero exhaust emissions |
Reduced exhaust emissions |
Often quite high exhaust emissions |
Refuelling |
Can recharge them at home overnight |
Some models can be charged at home overnight |
Have to visit a petrol station to refuel |
Congestion Charges |
Exempt from Congestion Charge |
All drivers must pay Congestion Charge |
All drivers must pay Congestion Charge |
Clean Air Zone Charges |
Exempt from Clean Air Zone charges |
Some drivers may have to pay Clean Air Zone charges |
Drivers of old or high-polluting vehicles must pay Clean Air Zone charges |
It will be illegal to sell new petrol and diesel cars in the UK after 2030. This means that manufacturers must make their range completely electric by then.
The deadline differs in different countries. However, to achieve 95% electrification by 2050 (as set out in previous climate agreements), all new cars must be electrified by 2035 at the latest.
You might want to get ahead of the game and buy an electric car sooner.
‘Range Anxiety’ is a big factor in deterring drivers from electric cars. Many worry that the batteries don’t have enough range for their normal driving habits. Find out how far electric cars go between charges here.
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Electric cars are growing in popularity. In fact, many experts predict that they will hold a majority market share long before the 2030 ban on new ICE sales. Learn more about when all cars will be electric in the UK in this guide.
Even though there are plenty of environmental advantages to driving an electric car compared to other fuel types, the way we build them doesn't differ too much. Plus, there are a few other issues that means the lifecycle of an EV might not be as green as you think. Learn more about the issue in this guide.