Controlling parents can have an impact even in adulthood
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), also referred to as conventional hybrids, are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. Pictured is the Toyota Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid car.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also use batteries to power an electric motor, as well as another fuel, such as gasoline or, more rarely, diesel. Pictured is the Mitsubishi Outlander.
A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) represents the middle ground between a gasoline/diesel car and a HEV. Pictured is the Renault Austral.
A range extender electric vehicle (REX) is a battery-powered electric car with an on-board range extender called an auxiliary power unit (APU). Pictured is the BMW i3.
A hybrid electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. Pictured is the Toyota Camry.
Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. Pictured is the Ford Fusion.
HEV batteries are far smaller than those in fully electric cars. Pictured is the Peugeot 508SW.
The extra power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. Pictured is the Honda Insight.
However, the downside of owning a HEV is that the battery can only typically provide a handful of miles of range when exclusively running on electric power. Pictured is the Chevrolet Tahoe.
The battery can also power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling. These features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Pictured is the Kia Optima.
But the biggest difference to an HEV is that they also have charging equipment. Pictured is the Chevrolet Volt.
PHEVs are charged by being plugged into a power outlet via the grid, domestic Wallbox, or public charging device. Pictured is the BMW 330e.
Like HEVs, PHEVs also feature regenerative braking systems that feed energy back into the hybrid or electric system to help replenish a little bit of range. Pictured is the Chrysler Pacifica.
PHEVs generally have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles. This means that plug-in hybrids can be driven on electric power alone, albeit for moderate distances only, perhaps up to 60 miles (96 km). Pictured is the Hyundai Tucson.
For longer journeys, the vehicle will become reliant on the gasoline/diesel engine. Pictured is the Kia Niro.
Mild hybrids feature a battery and a small electrical motor that works in conjunction with the engine to add torque and can also recapture energy under braking. Pictured is the Audi RS Q8.
The motor-generator effectively supplements the combustion engine under the hood. Pictured is the Jeep Renegade.
However, at no time does the battery and motor provide all-electric propulsion. Pictured is the Jaguar F-Pace.
The configuration does allow the engine to shut off when the vehicle stops, at traffic lights for example, or in annoying stop-go-stop traffic, further improving fuel economy. Pictured is the Volvo XC60.
Some MHEVs also use the generator to enable the car's engine to be turned off for up to 40 seconds when coasting—another appealing fuel-saving feature. Pictured is the Kia Proceed.
MHEVs generally cost less than full hybrids, but also provide less fuel economy benefit than full hybrids. Pictured is the Audi 6.
Regarded as the the fourth different type of hybrid, the range extender electric vehicle is not as popular as conventional or plug-in hybrids, and many models have been discontinued. Pictured is the Suzuki Swift from 2012.
While it does use a 'hybrid' of battery-plus-electric-motor and combustion engine, unlike self-charging and plug-in hybrids, the range extender doesn't power the car's wheels directly; it only charges the battery. Pictured is the Opel Ampera.
These days, a REX on the road is a rare sight. However, the new Ineos Fusilier is set to debut in 2027 and will be available either as a full-blown electric vehicle or a REX.
Sources: (Department of Energy) (Top Gear) (Electrifying.com) (Autoweek)
The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid equipped with a Wankel rotary engine that's used as a small range extender motor.
However, consistently charging a PHEV is the best way to maximize the electric benefits. Pictured is the Mini Cooper S E Countryman.
In a range extended car, when the battery charge is low the range extender starts automatically and charges it up. Pictured is the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER.
Most of us are aware of the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). But do you know the difference between gasoline-electric hybrids and battery-electric vehicles? Can you tell a plug-in from a mild hybrid? Confusingly, there are four different types of hybrid car currently on the market, and understanding which is which is often a challenge for all but the most passionate of car fans. But if you're thinking about purchasing a EV anytime soon, it's best to brush up on your automotive vocabulary beforehand. So, are you ready to take charge of your electric vehicle knowledge?
Click on and take a drive through this electrifying hybrid car gallery.
What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid cars, explained
LIFESTYLE Automobiles
Most of us are aware of the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). But do you know the difference between gasoline-electric hybrids and battery-electric vehicles? Can you tell a plug-in from a mild hybrid? Confusingly, there are four different types of hybrid car currently on the market, and understanding which is which is often a challenge for all but the most passionate of car fans. But if you're thinking about purchasing a EV anytime soon, it's best to brush up on your automotive vocabulary beforehand. So, are you ready to take charge of your electric vehicle knowledge?
Click on and take a drive through this electrifying hybrid car gallery.