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Is a hybrid considered an electric car?
My wife wants to buy an electric car, and I’ve sent her a few hybrid models I like, but she says they’re not electric cars. Is a hybrid car the same as an electric car?
Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! A hybrid is not considered an electric car. Electric cars are powered exclusively by electricity. Hybrid vehicles have two sources of power. They are powered by gas and electricity.
A
hybrid
has a battery pack that powers the electric motor. The electric motor makes the wheels move. In addition to the battery pack, it also has an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). All regular gas vehicles have an ICE. Hybrids have both an ICE and the electric motor and battery pack. Some models have their battery pack charged by the ICE running, others need to be plugged in, and some are charged by regenerative braking.
Electric vehicles do not have an ICE. They are powered only by a battery pack, running purely on electricity. These battery packs are usually Lithium-ion battery packs, although there are talks of bringing hydrogen fuel cells and
nuclear energy
into electric vehicles in the future. Companies like Ford are exploring their options, with Ford debuting a concept hybrid that runs on hydrogen fuel cells and electricity.Hybrids are gas and electricity powered for now, but maybe not,
Ford
has shown the world its plans to diversify hybrids with a concept car that runs on hydrogen fuel cells and electricity.No matter whether you drive a hybrid or fully electric, you need affordable insurance.
Jerry
, the number one car insurance comparison app will help you find the best rates. You can save up to $887 a year with dozens of providers like GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide and more.View full answer
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