Hybrid versus plug-in hybrid versus electric Volvo vehicles
February 09 2022,
It seems like all we hear about these days in the automotive industry is a new hybrid or electric vehicle. This is to be expected as the future of the automotive industry is going to revolve around electrified powertrains. You may be wondering what the difference between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or an electric vehicle is. This article should be able to provide you with some insights.
Volvo is at the forefront of electric vehicle technology. Volvo has electrified its entire lineup of vehicles, offering a range of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles that deliver not only the luxury that you expect from a Volvo vehicle, but also the efficient performance you are looking for from an electrified engine.
Plug-in hybrid
Plug-in hybrid vehicles like the Volvo XC60 Recharge and Volvo XC90 Recharge our vehicles that feature both a gas engine and a battery that powers an electric motor. This is the same set up as a traditional hybrid engine except in the case of a plug-in hybrid, the battery has a larger capacity which means that it has enough power to propel the electric motor exclusively without relying on the gas engine over a set distance.
In simple terms, this means that you have enough power to drive on electric power alone over a distance that can range from 30 to 50 km. This is impossible with a traditional hybrid vehicle which always relies on the gas engine.
Fully electric vehicles
Fully electric vehicles do not have a gas engine. They have a large battery and a set of electric motors that power the wheels. Electric vehicles like the Volvo XC40 Recharge feature the ability to drive between 300 and 400 km without needing a single drop of fuel and when the battery is depleted, they can be plugged into the wall or a level II or level III charger to be recharged. With a fully electric vehicle, you never have to put any gas in your car.
This certainly has some advantages and some disadvantages. The main advantage is that you never have to worry about the cost of fuel. The disadvantage is that you do have to charge your vehicle on a regular basis to be able to use it. In other words, choosing between a plug-in hybrid Volvo and an electric Volvo really depends on your needs. Give us a call today to learn more and we will be able to help you find the right choice for you.
