Anyone interested in helping the environment now has a lot of options when it comes to cars. If you want to make an environmentally conscious choice for your next vehicle but aren't sure where to start, a hybrid is great. But what is a hybrid car exactly? How do they work? Will they really save you money?
We understand cars are significant investments, and you want to make an educated choice before purchasing. Learn more about the different types of hybrids and how they work. We'll also lay out the pros and cons of hybrids and detail their upkeep costs so you can make a well-informed decision.
4 Types of Hybrid Cars
Hybrid vehicles have two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. However, you'll find four main types of hybrids on the market today, and they each function a little differently.
1. Mild Hybrid
A mild hybrid relies on the ICE to power the wheels while the electric motor tackles minor tasks, such as boosting the ICE when accelerating from a dead stop. It also starts and stops the engine when you are not moving to prevent burning fuel while idling. Most brands don't label these hybrids as mild hybrids; instead, they have branded names like General Motors eAssist and Mercedes EQ Boost.
Mild hybrids have slightly more fuel economy than traditional gasoline-powered cars. They also have slightly lower emissions. However, their environmental gains could be better , especially when compared to the other types of hybrids.
Examples:
- BMW 3 Series
- Kia Sportage
- Mazda CX-5
2. Parallel Hybrid
A parallel hybrid is a full hybrid, meaning the car can run solely on electric or gas power. It's called a parallel hybrid because of its powertrain , the ICE and the electric motor work parallel to each other to power the wheels. Most current hybrids are parallel hybrids.
Parallel hybrids have larger batteries and motors than mild hybrids but smaller ones than the series hybrid.
Examples:
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Prius
- Volvo XC90 T8
3. Series Hybrid
A series hybrid is also a full hybrid, but unlike the parallel hybrid, the ICE and the electric motor work together in a series to power the wheels. The ICE creates mechanical power, which fuels the electric motor and moves the wheels.
The series hybrid is typically more expensive than the parallel hybrid since it has a more powerful battery pack. Still, it has a more extended electrical range than a series or mild hybrid. They are often referred to as extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) or range-extended electric vehicles (REEV).
Examples:
- Honda Civic IMA
- BMW i3
- Chevrolet Volt
4. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is as close as you can get to an electric vehicle while keeping anICE. In this model, batteries are much larger and plug into an external source for charging. They function as electric cars with anICE backup. As a result, they are the most expensive hybrid on the market but have the longest range of the four hybrid types.
Examples:
- Kia Sportage Plug-In
- Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
How Does a Hybrid Car Work
A hybrid has both anICE and an electric motor, but how those two power the vehicle differs depending on the type of hybrid you're driving. In general, the process is as follows:
- While idling or at low speeds (considered less than 30 mph), the electric motor converts the electrical power from the traction battery into mechanical power to move the wheels. This motor is usually next to the ICE under the hood.
- When your speed reaches 30 mph or when the car needs more power, such as accelerating quickly, driving up a hill or towing a trailer, the ICE takes over.
- When running, the ICE creates electricity and stores it in the traction battery pack, which is usually located under the car near the rear wheels.
- When you brake, the hybrid's regenerative braking system turns the electric motor into a generator during braking, adding energy to the traction battery.
In a PHEV, the process is essentially the same, but you also plug the car into an electrical source when it is not in use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car
Deciding to purchase a hybrid car can be complicated, especially since several myths surround hybrid cars.
Benefits of a Hybrid Car
The biggest benefits of hybrid cars are environmental, but there's also an economic benefit.
- Increased fuel efficiency: The average gas mileage for a hybrid SUV is 35 mpg, compared to 29 mpg for a vehicle with anICE. The difference is even more significant for a sedan: A hybrid sedan has an average gas mileage of 45 mpg, while a traditional sedan has only 31.7 mpg.
- Lowered carbon dioxide emissions: On average, a hybrid vehicle produces 6,898 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, while a traditional gasoline-powered car produces 12,594 pounds of carbon dioxide.
- Minimized dependence on fossil fuels: By limiting how much gasoline gets used, hybrid cars reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, positively impacting the environment (and your pocketbook).
- Tax advantages: In the U.S., if you meet certain criteria, you can qualify for up to $7,500 in a tax credit when you purchase a hybrid vehicle.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car
There are disadvantages to choosing a hybrid car for your next vehicle.
- More expensive purchase price: You'll probably pay $2,000 to $3,000 more for a hybrid version of a traditional vehicle. However, depending on your driving habits, you may save that extra cost on gas within five years of owning the car.
- More expensive repairs: The most costly component of a hybrid car is the traction battery pack, which can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000. Hybrids also have more complex computer and engine coolant systems that are hard to access, making them more expensive to replace.
- Less power: If you're looking for a car that will pin you back to your seat with speed, a hybrid isn't it. However, this is starting to change as newer models are released and car companies try to address a common complaint. The 2023 Prius has a top speed of 115 and can go from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds (nearly three seconds faster than the 2022 model).
Maintenance on a Hybrid Car
Many people mistakenly believe there is less care required for a hybrid car, but typically the maintenance is the same as for a vehicle with anICE.
Regular oil changes, belt replacements, and tire alignment and replacements are all required for hybrid vehicles. Your owner's manual can tell you the specifics, but expect it to be the same schedule as a traditional vehicle.
The only difference is that you won't need to replace the brakes on a hybrid vehicle as often as on gasoline-powered cars (although this varies greatly based on how you apply the brakes and whether you ride the brake pedal). The regenerative braking technology relies less on brake pads and rotors like traditional brakes. However, you should still get your brakes inspected and lubricated regularly as directed in your owner's manual.
AAA's Driving Costs Calculator can help you better estimate your maintenance costs for a hybrid car.
Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?
There's no universal yes-or-no answer to whether a hybrid is a good investment for you. It depends on several factors, including:
- What matters most to you: If you care more about the environment and are willing to spend a little more upfront to protect it, the hybrid is the way to go. But if power and performance matter most, it's best to skip the hybrid in favor of a gas-powered vehicle.
- How much you drive: The more you drive, the more savings you'll see with a hybrid. A person who drives a lot, such as a realtor, may see more savings on fuel than someone who rarely leaves the house.
- How long you plan to keep the car: If you prefer to upgrade every few years, a gas-powered vehicle may be the better choice. Hybrids are more expensive to purchase, and you generally don't break even with fuel savings until you've had the car for five years.
- The type of hybrid you purchase: Each hybrid operates differently, and may fit your situation better. For example, if you frequently drive on the highway for long distances, a series hybrid will have better fuel economy compared to ICE vehicles, and you'll reclaim the ROI from the original purchase much faster than someone who is not doing a lot of highway driving.
Maintain Your Hybrid With AAA
Understanding a hybrid car makes it easier to decide if you wish to purchase one. If you have a hybrid, AAA's Approved Auto Repair shops will help you keep it in peak condition so you can stay safe. Plus, you'll save a minimum 10 percent on labor costs (or a $75 maximum in some areas) with your AAA membership, making your hybrid more affordable to maintain and helping offset the higher purchase price.
If you end up stranded on the side of the road or in a parking lot with your hybrid, AAA's roadside assistance team can help with any of the following:
- Changing a flat tire
- Jump-starting your car
- Lost car keys
- Car won't start