Types of Hybrid Cars | Lafayette LA | Near New Iberia, Abbeville, Youngsville & Broussard
If there’s one thing that’s constant in the ever-evolving hybrid and electric automotive industry, it’s that hybrid technology takes many different forms. Each type offers various levels of function, efficiency and performance — some will be better equipped than others to match your lifestyle. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid , for example, is perfect for those with a love for the outdoors, endless adventures and efficiency without the compromise.
Subaru’s Contributions: the Crosstrek Hybrid
Closing in on a triple-digit mpg,^ the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is Subaru’s contribution to the highly competitive hybrid and electric market. It takes the best of Subaru design and engineering and pairs them with the latest developments in plug-in hybrid technology. Providing up to 90 MPGe and up to an eyebrow-raising 480 miles of total vehicle range,^ the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t know limits, especially when equipped with the confidence of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Curious to feel what ultimate freedom is like? Give one a try.
What’s the Difference Between Full Hybrids, Mild Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids?
But many aren’t aware that there are differences between hybrid technology in cars, much less the names of them, so our dealership decided to craft an outline for the main three types of hybrids for your convenience. We’ll define the difference between full hybrids, mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids* for our customers from New Iberia, Abbeville, Youngsville and Broussard below.
Full Hybrids
Sporting a gas engine, electric motor and a battery, a full hybrid
uses three sources of energy to work together as the powertrain,
efficiently switching between power sources (or sometimes in
combination with each other) to match driving conditions. A full
hybrid car can run on the electricity alone for short distances
while the regenerative braking system or engine recharges the
battery. And even though they hold the same electrification
components as mild hybrids, full hybrids are stronger and more
capable due to their larger motors and batteries.
Within the full hybrid powertrains, there are two main types:
series and parallel. Series hybrids will use the gas engine only
when charging the battery or to provide electricity to be fed to
the electric motor(s) that is connected to the drive wheels.
Parallel hybrids use both the electric motor and gas engine to
provide power to propel the hybrid forward. But many systems today
use elements of both and are sometimes called series-parallel
hybrids.
Mild Hybrids
Very similar to full hybrids, mild hybrids have the same powertrain components but they rely more heavily on the gas engine to do the majority of the work. The electric motor is more of an assistant to the gas engine rather than a partner. It goes by many names across the auto manufacturers: eAssist from GM, EQ Boost from Mercedes-Benz and eTorque from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and most systems either turn off or reduce the load on the gasoline engines when the hybrid is braking, cruising or coasting. Many act as a stop-start system, too, and overall cost less than the full-hybrid technology.
Plug-In Hybrids
Plug-in hybrids are probably the more intuitive of the three systems — many people charge their smartphones at night, and now many more are charging their cars. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is recharged by a literal plug in the wall, either the home charging system that you’ve installed or a public charging system (of which many are being built to meet the infrastructure demand). Offering a greater pure electric range and overall fuel efficiency, plus only needing a few hours to reach a full charge, plug-in hybrids might offer the best features of both battery-electric and gas engines.
There’s a lot to uncover about the ever-changing hybrid and electric market. Stay on top of it with a Subaru from Giles Subaru in Lafayette, LA. When you’re ready to take a test drive of any one of our fuel-efficient and stylish Subaru models, stop by our location at 6141 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503. We look forward to serving our customers from New Iberia, Abbeville, Youngsville and Broussard for all of their hybrid needs.
*Please visit https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/types-of-hybrid-cars for more information.
^2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Up to 90 MPGe and up to 480 miles of total vehicle range. Based on EPA-estimated MPG equivalent on a full battery charge and full tank of fuel. Actual range and mileage may vary.
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