The various types of electric vehicles

Every year, we see arriving on the market new models of electric or hybrid vehicles, each offering a more or less long driving range and distinctive features. But how to decide among the different types of models and above all, why choose a hybrid vehicle? Your Toyota dealer in Longueuil on the South Shore of Montreal, close to Boucherville and Brossard, answers all your questions!

Different types of hybrid and electric vehicles

Most of the eco-friendly vehicles actually on the market are hybrids, which have the same kind of drive—or almost—as a gas model. No recharging, no fear of not having enough autonomy, except if you wait too long to visit a gas station! Most of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles find themselves in this category.

You will also find increasingly more plug-in hybrid models (PHEV), which feature a certain driving range in full electric mode, but also mainly operate with gas. The Toyota Prius Prime is part of this category.

There are also a few fuel cell vehicles (hydrogen vehicles), the development of which will accelerate when the recharging network will be widened. For the moment at Toyota, only the Toyota Mirai is a fuel cell electric vehicle.

Finally, fully electric models are also more and more popular because of the increase to their driving range, which makes them now almost as practical as a gas vehicle.

What are the features of each type of vehicles?

Hybrid models are composed of a combustion engine—powered by gas—paired to one or 2 electric motors, as well as a battery, in most cases lithium-ion. Working in the same way as a gas vehicle, the electric powertrain very often allows to ride in full electric mode at low speeds, or when starting up the vehicle. In addition, you don’t need to recharge your vehicle since the battery recharges itself thanks to braking energy regeneration.

Finally, you will appreciate these vehicles’ energy efficiency ratings, which most of the time—and depending on the model—are below 5.0 L/100 km! To figure out which hybrid vehicles are the best for you (sedan, SUV, etc.), find out what are your needs and your budget!

You would rather go for a plug-in model? Not completely electric nor combustion vehicles, PHEV feature a gas engine, an electric motor and a battery. However, unlike hybrids, plug-in vehicles have driving ranges in full electric mode that vary between about 20 and 50 kilometres, depending on the brand and the model. They can also be connected to 120V outlets (home) or 240V outlets (public charging stations or home), and their recharging time depends on the type of outlet used.

Hydrogen vehicles, for their part, are regarded as electric cars, since they don’t consume gas. In fact, it’s the fuel cell that produces the electricity which powers the motor, and since no fuel is used, this car only emits water.

Lastly, fully electric vehicles have a more or less powerful battery and an electric drive, and nowadays, most of them can cover more than 300 kilometres on a full charge, depending on how you drive and the weather conditions. These cars can be connected to 120, 240 and 400V (level 3) outlets, the latter generally allowing to recharge 80 % of the battery in about 30 minutes.

Among all the models that you will find at Longueuil Toyota, you will undoubtedly wonder which Toyota vehicle is right for you. To be sure, there are several factors to consider, including your budget and the length of your travels; our advisors will guide you and help you choose the model that will best suit you. De plus, it is even possible to opt for the lease of a Toyota hybrid vehicle!

What is more, Longueuil Toyota is participating in the Green Key program, which means that our mechanics workshop follows the most current environmentally-friendly practices at this time! Don’t wait any longer and come see us as soon as today to find out more! We are located on the South Shore of Montreal, close to Brossard and Boucherville.