CARazed

It seems like every automaker has a slightly different technology solution and uses different terminology to describe similar things. The terms are also very confusing. It helps to remember that generally speaking the words hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and range-extended just ways of saying that a gasoline engine is helping the partially electric car travel a little farther.

Plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles carry a small combustion engine which can provide the additional power when the batteries run low. Generally speaking the combustion engine in hybrids and plug-in hybrids help move the car by driving the wheels through the transmission. In range-extended electric vehicles the combustion engine usually charges the batteries and electric motors drive the wheels.

Virtually all of today’s hybrids cannot be plugged in at home. They use electric motors to help propel the car but the gasoline engine provides all the power and electricity. Plug-in hybrids are similar to hybrids except that their batteries can be charged while parked at home. The benefit of plugging-in is that the gas motor doesn’t need to be running for the first few (like 40) miles. Once the batteries run low the electric motor can carry you the rest of the way, even across the country. Here’s a quick recap:

Hybrid

Uses a combustion engine to provide all power and uses an electric motor to help propel the car through a transmission and cannot be plugged in. Pictured above is the new Honda Insight.

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

Similar to a hybrid except that it carries a few more batteries and can be charged overnight by plugging it in at home. The first few miles (like 40) are made without the help of the combustion engine. Pictured above is a Toyota Prius test vehicle which they may bring to market.

Range-Extended Electric Vehicle

A car that propels itself with electric motors. An on-board combustion engine provides electricity (like a generator) when the batteries run low. Pictured above is the luxury Fisker Karma. The Chevy Volt is/was also a range-extended electric vehicle.

Electric Car

All electric, no combustion engine. Limited range until battery technology improves. Pictured above is a low cost electric car from Norway called the Think City.

Best Short-Term Solution

There are several reasons why I think plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles are the right short term (5 to 10 years) technology for people to focus keep in mind before buying a new car.

• Lower cost to operate especially for those people that mostly drive short distances.
• In only a few years these cars should be comparable in price to contemporary hybrids.
• They will pollute less than contemporary hybrids.
• There is no loss of usability due to limited range of current electric cars.

Conclusion

Once battery technology advances to the point that they provide faster charging, lower cost, and longer ranges, electric cars will be a more viable choice.  Until then driving efficient economy cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range-extended electric cars will be the most practical way to go. But I’m very much looking forward to a world where combustion engine petroleum burners are found only in museums.