Plug-In-Hybrid, or Fuel-Cell Vehicle: Which one is the Best for You?

Are you confused among different vehicle types: Hybrid EV, Plug-in Hybrid, or Fuel-Cell Vehicle? Here we are with the detailed research and differences among different vehicles and help you to choose the best at the time of purchase. Nowadays, there are different electrified cars where you‘ll find all the categories of vehicles. 

These vehicle types have their pros and cons. Based on different buyers and their usage, each may be good or bad. So here we have the list of features that will help you to choose among Hybrid EV, Plug-In, or Fuel Cell Vehicles based on your requirements.

Hybrid EVs are the best choice for long-distance and unpredictable road travelers. Hybrid vehicles are a little more costly than the non-hybrids. Toyota Prius is one of the best known Hybrid Electric Vehicles which has a gas-powered engine along with electric motors that are powered by batteries. These electric motors are capable of driving at low speeds for a very short duration of time.

1. It can charge various parts of a car’s electrical system.
2. It saves fuel at the idle time of start-stop.
3. Lower cost.

1. No-Complete EV mode.
2. Low Speed at Electric motor mode

Examples of hybrid electric vehicles include Lexus ES 300H and Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The plug-in hybrid cars also use gas-powered engines and electric motors with battery packs. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are a bridge between outdated hybrids and fully electric vehicles. The PHEV has a larger battery capacity than a regular hybrid. They can drive farther and with more electric power.

1. It can cover between 20 and 40 miles of electric power.
2. Good Fuel Economy.
3. They offer the benefits of a pure EV for short drives.

1.  They are more costly than regular hybrids.
2. Fuel Efficiency Benefits
3. Cargo Space is quite less because of plug-in components.

These Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles are not powered by gasoline engines and you don’t need to plug in your vehicle, but it is still an electric car which is operated on hydrogen fuel. There are very few fuel stations for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The hydrogen is stored under high pressure inside the tank which is built under the car structure. The cost and reliability of Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are very low and therefore, various brands are still not ready to launch their models.

1. Similar to other fuel cells, Hydrogen Fuel Cells are smooth, and quiet and offer high torques.
2. Within 3 minutes, it can be filled.

1. It is tough to find fuel stations in shorter distances, therefore, many buyers don’t prefer Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles. 
2. The fuel is costlier than other types of vehicles.

In the era where Electric Vehicles (EVs) are in trend and are supporting sustainable mobility. These different vehicle types make the transition smoother for buyers who hesitate to directly switch to EVs. Electric Vehicles tend to cost more than any other models. The benefit of Electric Vehicles is that many are eligible for tax incentives.

Electric Vehicles have a battery in place of a gasoline tank and electric motor whereas the Plug-In Hybrid are a blend of gasoline and electric motors.

Pros of the electric vehicle are:

1. It is environmentally friendly.
2. Cheaper to Fuel.
3. Need less maintenance

 Cons of the electric vehicle are:

1. Long Charging Time
2. Very disappointing charging infrastructure.

Both types of vehicles are operated by electric motors, but there is a difference in storing the energy to power the engine. A fuel cell uses hydrogen to generate electricity for its engine, whereas an Electric vehicle stores electricity in its large battery to power electric motors.