Types of Hybrid Cars | Lafayette LA | Near Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria & New Orleans
The Difference Between Full Hybrids, Mild Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids in Lafayette, LA
As the vehicle industry continues to grow and evolve, there’s a surging market for hybrid and electric vehicles. You may be looking at some of these vehicles for yourself. Well, we want to make sure that when you shop for these hybrid and electric vehicles, you know the difference between them. Each of these types of vehicles offers a variety of technological, performance and efficiency features that may be very well suited for you. The 2022 XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid eAWD R-Design, for example, is a perfect combination of all three of these factors. Come down to Giles Volvo Cars and experience the future for yourself.
What’s the Difference Between Full Hybrids, Mild Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids?
Now when you come to our dealership, you may be asking yourself this very same question. And if you’re interested in getting one of these vehicles for yourself, you’ll want to know the difference between them. Our dealership has crafted this page to outline the features and technology that separates these three apart.
Full Hybrids
A full hybrid, or ‘parallel hybrid,’ uses both a gas engine and electric motors to drive the car, either simultaneously or independently. While this is the most common type of hybrid vehicle, full hybrids can only typically hold a small amount of electric charge. This electric charge can be used to provide extra power, which in turn combines with the gas engine to boost a better fuel economy. As these electric motors are built into the vehicle, a full hybrid can also run on an electric-only mode, usually used for low speeds and driving short distances across town.
Just like any other vehicle, you simply fuel up and go, with the hybrid system cutting the engine in and out automatically. This reduces fuel consumption where possible and also provides power when it's needed. And like we mentioned before, when you bring your vehicle to lower speeds, the normal gas engine will cut out and you’ll be running on the electric-only mode for a short time.
Mild Hybrids
Similar to full hybrids, mild hybrids use a gas engine as well, but it also uses a 48-volt battery to power a starter/generator that enhances the performance of a traditional engine. This system will give a small boost to the vehicle’s gasoline engine and recharge based on the regenerative braking system that is already put in place. These vehicles do not need to be plugged in as they are not plug-in hybrids — batteries are recharged through the power of the gasoline engine and regenerative braking.
Plug-In Hybrids
Now here are the vehicles everybody thinks of when they hear “hybrid vehicles.” Just like you charge your smartphone at night, you’ll be plugging your hybrid vehicle into your home charging system that comes with your purchase. Not at home? Well, if you’re needing a plug-in out in public, then you can use one of the various public charging stations that are spread throughout the area. These vehicles offer an overall more efficient ride and give you a longer range when taking those long vacations. When you’re deciding between the three, the plug-in hybrids can give you the most efficient and powerful ride for your new journey.
There’s a lot to uncover about the ever-changing hybrid and electric market. Stay on top of it with a Volvo from Giles Volvo Cars in Lafayette, LA. When you’re ready to take a test drive of any one of our fuel-efficient and stylish Volvo models, stop by our location at 111 South City Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70503. We look forward to serving our customers from Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria and New Orleans for all of their hybrid needs.
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