Take a drive through Sydney, and you'll notice an increase in electric and hybrid vehicles on the roads. Offering drivers improved fuel efficiency and the ability to make every drive more eco-friendly, the Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-30 are fantastic choices for frugal, environmentally-conscious drivers. If you're ready to make the switch, here's what you'll need to know about plug-in vs hybrid vehicles.
If you've noticed some electric vehicles being marketed as plug-ins and others as normal, you're likely wondering what the difference is between these two types of cars. Luckily the difference is more straightforward than you might expect.
Plug-In Hybrids
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have an electric engine fueled by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and a fuel-powered internal combustion engine. Plug-ins will run off the electric motor as much as possible, saving the traditional engine for when you're running low on charge or in specific driving situations. When you need to recharge your battery, you'll plug in your hybrid to a charging station or wall socket.
Normal Hybrids
A regular hybrid is similar to the plug-in, but instead of the traditional engine serving as a backup for the battery pack, the combustion engine works together or independently with the electric motor to power the vehicle. As a result, regular hybrids are not recharged by plugging them into a power source.
Instead, the energy is created when your car accelerates, idles, or performs an action called "regenerative braking." Regenerative braking occurs when the kinetic energy produced by the vehicle slowing down is converted to electricity and used to recharge your hybrid while driving it.
Plug-In vs Hybrid: Which One Is Right For You?
Either of these engine options will give you better fuel efficiency, but you'll want to consider a few factors before you buy. If you opt for a regular hybrid, you'll enjoy significant fuel savings without compromising the distance you can travel. However, when you drive a normal hybrid solely on its electric motor, you may be limited to how far you can travel and how fast you can go.
If most of your drives are local and you want to be emission-free, the plug-in hybrid will appeal to you. The electric motor can power local commutes, and as long as you recharge as necessary, you can get by without using the petrol engine. When you travel farther, you'll have peace of mind knowing that the traditional engine will take over when your charge is exhausted.
Test Drive a Mazda CX-60 Today
The brand-new CX-60 arrives in June and offers drivers Mazda's first plug-in hybrid engine option. Primarily powered by an electric motor, this engine uses less fuel. As a result, it releases minimal carbon emissions while still having an internal combustion engine to fall back on if the situation requires it.
Take a Spin Through Sydney in a Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 is classified as a mild hybrid, which means it has hybrid components, but still relies primarily on an internal combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery in this model pairs with the traditional engine to help your vehicle conserve fuel. Additionally, the battery can power features such as air conditioning without requiring the engine to engage immediately.
Whether you select a normal hybrid or the plug-in style, you won't regret making your next car a Mazda hybrid. So take a CX-30 for a test drive today and watch for the CX-60 arriving at dealerships in June of 2023.
Sign in to leave a comment.