Electric Vehicles or Hybrid Cars

In 2023, Irish drivers welcomed approximately 175,000 new electric vehicles into their homes, as reported by the Irish Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Furthermore, the month of July witnessed a staggering 20,000 registrations, marking a twofold increase compared to the same period last year.

The remarkable surge in the prevalence of electric vehicles throughout Ireland signifies a substantial advancement in the sustainability sector, paving the way for a plethora of prospects in future development.

However, the seemingly rapid triumph of electric vehicle technology has also prompted numerous pertinent questions. From the make and model to charging capacity, the contemporary consumer is consistently confronted with novel terminology in this fast-paced and exhilarating new domain.

While both employ varying degrees of electric power, the distinctions between electric vehicles and hybrid cars can be profound. This conundrum has often led environmentally-conscious homeowners to mistakenly conflate the two, with many individuals remaining unaware of the fundamental disparities.

Today, we embark on a journey to dissect the true distinctions between electric vehicles and hybrid cars, elucidating their disparities, limitations, and attractions. We aspire to offer even the most seasoned electric vehicle owners an enlightening experience, and perhaps, introduce them to previously uncharted insights.

What is an Electric Car (EVs)

At its core, an electric car represents an automobile that propels its engine using electricity-generated heat, bypassing the combustion of fossil fuels, known for emitting detrimental pollutants into the atmosphere.

Referred to as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), they possess distinct features. To qualify as an EV, the model must be equipped with an internal, rechargeable battery and abstain from utilizing a combustion engine (ICE).

The efficiency of an electric car battery is gauged in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Typically, this measurement is derived by multiplying the voltage (V) of the power supply by the current flow, measured in amps (A), directed into the vehicle.

Electric cars are capable of harnessing electricity through an external plug connection, often drawing power from conventional sources such as the grid or a 240V outlet. This electrical energy is subsequently channeled into the vehicle using either Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC).

Alternating current, considered the less potent of the two, entails a rapid charge generated by rotating a wire loop within a magnetic field, resulting in a wave-like current flow that adjusts its strength based on polarity. Due to this wave-like characteristic, AC is preferred for distant charging. Common household appliances like refrigerators, lamps, and stoves rely on AC technology. Furthermore, the majority of public electric vehicle charging points in Ireland utilize AC technology.

On the other hand, DC provides a robust, unswerving electrical flow to the vehicle. Typically sourced from batteries, fuel cells, and alternators, DC maintains a consistent flow, unlike the fluctuations observed in AC current. Consequently, DC offers greater strength and can be transformed into a softer AC current through an internal rectifier.

While electric cars constituted only about 3% of operational vehicles in Ireland in 2022, there is a compelling reason to anticipate exponential growth in this sector. The Irish Government is actively promoting EV usage through an array of grants and incentive programs. In alignment with a 2021 Government plan, the State aims to have 936,000 EVs on Irish roads by 2030, marking a substantial increase from the current figure of approximately 76,000.

What are Hybrid Cars?

While the differences between hybrid cars and electric vehicles may appear evident, the true distinctions lie within. Although these two models share similarities, there exist pivotal divergences that shape their essence.

The debut of the Toyota Prius in 2000 marked the emergence of hybrid technology in the European market. Since then, curiosity about hybrid technology has surged; however, misinformation and misconceptions still persist.

By definition, a hybrid electric vehicle draws power from dual sources. Nonetheless, as we delve deeper, the realm of hybrid vehicles manifests diverse variations.

Full Hybrid

The most prevalent type of hybrid car is the full hybrid. According to Statista, Ireland contributed to 9% of Europe's hybrid car sales in 2019, securing the fourth-largest share on the continent.

Full hybrid cars come equipped with both a combustion engine and an electric battery. Although these models predominantly rely on the combustion engine, utilizing either petrol or diesel, the battery acts as a supplementary power source. Generally small in size, the battery can be replenished by harnessing the heat generated by the nearby engine. While many of these models can be switched to a mode reliant solely on the battery, achieving higher speeds proves challenging due to the battery's limited capacity.

Mild Hybrid

Resembling their full hybrid counterparts, mild hybrid cars incorporate a combustion engine alongside a battery. However, the battery primarily serves to provide auxiliary support to the engine. While some electric vehicle enthusiasts might show skepticism, mild hybrids often offer an economical entry point into hybrid vehicle ownership.

Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

PHEVs bear the closest resemblance to fully electric vehicles among hybrid variants. As the name suggests, the internal battery relies on an external source, either DC or AC, to recharge. This external power supply enables larger battery capacities, offering significantly greater flexibility than their full-hybrid counterparts. In 2021, PHEV sales experienced a 5% upsurge, constituting over 7.4% of Ireland's total car market.

On average, hybrid vehicles emit 30-60% less CO2 emissions than conventional combustion models. However, it's worth noting that this still amounts to 30-60% more emissions compared to full EVs, depending on the study. Moreover, hybrid car models incorporate innovative methods to harness energy beyond these reductions.

Present in hybrids like the Toyota Prius and fully electric vehicles such as Tesla's Roadster, regenerative braking introduces a fascinating mechanism to harness energy. When a vehicle brakes, the friction between brake pads and rotors generates heat and motion. Regenerative braking technology seizes this kinetic energy, bolstering the vehicle's overall energy production.

Cost Differences Between Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

While the well-documented advantages of both environmental friendliness and long-term sustainability are widely recognized, it remains a known fact that electric vehicles are pricier than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. On average, the purchase prices of fully electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland exceed those of hybrids or ICE vehicles by 15% to 50%.

Though the initial higher price tag might dissuade prospective buyers, various schemes and straightforward calculations underscore the wisdom of opting for a fully electric vehicle.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) plays a pivotal role in fostering and supporting the integration of green technologies throughout the country. Through the SEAI's Electric Vehicle Grant, Irish buyers can receive reimbursement of €1,500 for an EV priced between €14,000 and €15,000. This grant extends up to €3,500 for vehicles priced up to €60,000. Moreover, EV drivers enjoy an annual motor tax of a mere €120, the lowest possible amount.

Towards the end of 2022, the Government announced the discontinuation of all SEAI Government grants previously available to hybrid owners, effective January 2022. Despite plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) previously being eligible for a €2,500 grant, they are no longer eligible for any grant under the SEAI scheme.

The ongoing operational costs of owning an ICE vehicle are well understood. Given the prevailing wholesale costs of diesel and petrol, seeking alternatives becomes a rational choice.

On average, a fully electric vehicle consumes 15 kWh of energy per 100 kilometers on the road. Based on the daily average price of €0.16 per kWh, drivers can anticipate a cost of €440 for every 200,000 kilometers driven. These figures pale in comparison to the expenses incurred by ICE vehicle owners. Those operating petrol-engine cars may witness running costs surge to approximately €14 for every 100 kilometers driven, resulting in an annual financial burden exceeding €2,000 when compared to electric vehicles. Even though the use of electric power can mitigate the hybrid's reliance on fossil fuels, the undeniable long-term financial advantages of adopting a pure electric vehicle persist.

Performance and Functionality

When aiming to elucidate the practical distinctions between driving a hybrid car and those solely powered by an electric motor, one of the most revealing metrics to consider is electric range.

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the electric range or driving range denotes the distance a given vehicle can traverse before necessitating recharging. The majority of electric vehicles available can cover distances ranging from 450 to 600 kilometers before requiring a recharge. This extensive range is predominantly a feature of fully electric models, primarily due to their significantly larger battery capacities.

Thanks to an internal single-speed transmission, pure electric cars can achieve notably swifter acceleration compared to hybrid and ICE vehicles. This advantage arises from a direct connection between the electric motor and the drive wheels through a drive shaft. Consequently, this arrangement generates substantial torque by rapidly reaching thousands of revolutions per minute. This stands in stark contrast to combustion engines, which must distribute power, resulting in a loss of that instantaneous energy surge.

Exclusively relying on its electric components, a hybrid vehicle yields a range of approximately 50 kilometers due to its smaller battery size. This makes hybrid vehicles particularly suitable for urban stop-and-start driving scenarios. By deactivating the engine, the compact battery can effectively curtail tailpipe emissions and mitigate wear from frequent stops and starts on the internal combustion engine (ICE). However, in more open driving conditions, the diminutive hybrid battery falls short of delivering the acceleration prowess exhibited by full EVs.

Technology and Charging Infrastructure

Currently, ESB operates a network of 1,350 public charge points throughout the island of Ireland. However, an increasingly popular option is home charging, driven largely by the financial advantages and convenience, especially after witnessing a 52% price increase in public charge points last year.

Nevertheless, reliable access to charging stations is a fundamental aspect of being an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid owner. Consequently, it is imperative to assess the availability of charge points and the potential for installing a personal one before making an EV purchase.

Furthermore, emerging technologies are poised to deepen the significance of EV charge points. Innovative models like the Zappi home charger from Myenergi empower homeowners to link their charge points with renewable sources such as solar and wind. Once connected, an accompanying app enables homeowners to regulate the utilization of green energy in comparison to grid-sourced power. With the exception of some plug-in hybrids, the electric batteries in vehicles often derive their energy from the combustion of petrol or diesel, prompting inquiries into the environmental credibility of such models.

Longevity, Durability, and Models to Consider

When making a significant investment like purchasing a car, comprehending the long-term performance prospects of different models is paramount. Unsurprisingly, electric cars surpass their hybrid counterparts by a substantial margin in terms of longevity.

Taking into account the annual average of 17,000 km driven in Ireland, the typical internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle lasts approximately 13 years. Notably, a landmark American study revealed that internal combustion engines typically endure around 214,000 kilometers in total, whereas the average EV boasts a longevity of nearly 322,000 kilometers.

According to GeoTab, EVs experience an average battery degradation of about 2.3% per year. In contrast, the battery in hybrid cars is inherently reliant on the condition of the ICE. When considering longevity and sustained reliability, pure electric vehicles emerge as the unequivocal victors.

Among the noteworthy hybrids on the market, the Toyota Corolla stands out as one of the most affordable options. Additionally, the Hyundai Ioniq is available in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric versions. It's important to note that while full and mild hybrids have lower upfront costs, they require greater consumption of fossil fuels to sustain their operation.

Turning to pure EVs, it's impossible not to mention prominent names like Tesla and BMW when considering a new car. Tesla's Model 3 encompasses all the features expected of a premier electric vehicle, including a self-locking mechanism, universal charger compatibility, and an app for energy regulation.

While hybrid vehicles indeed mark a step toward progress, the undeniable reality is that most hybrids emit between 40% and 70% of the CO2 produced by the average ICE vehicle. Furthermore, a 2021 report indicates that PHEVs consume roughly 60% more fuel than official tests had indicated.

Considering the factors of longevity, financial advantages, and environmental impact, pure electric vehicles stand as a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious drivers in Ireland. For those interested in exploring Ireland's EV infrastructure or seeking further information on EVs versus hybrids, feel free to contact Wattcharger's team of experts using the form below.