Hybrid and electric cars
Electric and hybrid vehicles have evolved a lot. More aesthetic, more ecological, these cars are attracting more and more motorists over the years.
From the small city car to the minivan, via the sedan, the electric or hybrid car is undeniably becoming more and more popular.
Hybrids?
The conventional hybrid has two engines: a thermal engine and an electric motor. During acceleration, the two engines are combined but the main source of energy comes from the combustion engine. The battery is recharged during braking and deceleration, allowing the electric motor to use this energy to relieve the engine’s efforts and thus reduce fuel consumption, or to drive the car alone at low speed over a few kilometres. Its much lower fuel consumption than a conventional combustion vehicle and ease of use make it an excellent compromise for mixed city/long-distance needs.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) also uses two motors, but the main source of energy is electricity. A plug-in hybrid car has a more powerful electric motor, a larger battery capacity (7 to 13 times higher than a conventional hybrid vehicle) and above all an external charging socket. These characteristics allow it to drive at high speeds over longer distances in 100% electric mode and to choose the origin of the electricity consumed. The driver can select an all-electric or hybrid driving mode via a simple control.
It is therefore more environmentally friendly than the conventional hybrid car because, depending on the model, it can travel up to 80 km without using a drop of fuel.
Electric?
The 100% electric car runs exclusively on electricity, thanks to a rechargeable battery and an electric motor. It does not use any fossil fuels.
For environmentalists and those who like to drive smoothly, the electric car has undeniable advantages:
- 100% electric cars emit no CO²
- They do not use any fossil fuels
- Electricity is much cheaper than gasoline
- Electric cars enjoy unparalleled silence and driving flexibility
- The care and maintenance budget is much lower
- They are not subject to any traffic restrictions
- In addition, they provide tax benefits
Despite some disadvantages such as higher prices for the moment and a more limited range than traditional cars, electric cars and plug-in hybrids clearly have a bright future ahead of them.
The need to have charging stations or to find them along the way is often cited as one of its disadvantages at the moment. But this will soon no longer be true…
Indeed, in addition to the rapid development of the offer in this area, it is also possible to install your own charging station at home. This makes it possible to take advantage of the vehicle’s downtime while controlling the cost of this recharge, especially during off-peak hours. More and more companies, public places, shopping centres,… are now making terminals available.
We can also expect that the free top-up offer from retailers, hotels and restaurants, sports centres,… will become commonplace in the future just as Wi-Fi is today.