Jakarta – Many people are starting to show interest in electric cars and hybrid cars. Both are claimed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
One similarity between electric cars and hybrid cars is that they both have batteries and electric motors. However, the function of the battery in electric cars is very different from that in hybrid cars.
So, what differentiates the battery in an electric car from that in a hybrid car? Let’s explore the explanation in this article.
The Difference Between Electric Car Batteries and Hybrid Car Batteries
Some people might think that the batteries in electric cars and hybrid cars are the same. Although both are batteries, their functions and sizes are quite different.
For some context, electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that solely rely on electricity as their energy source. Therefore, electric cars do not use gasoline like conventional cars.
On the other hand, hybrid cars combine two energy sources to power the wheels, namely gasoline and electric motors. This makes the battery in a hybrid car smaller than that in an electric vehicle because its function is not as crucial as that in an EV.
To make it clearer, here are the differences between the battery in an electric car and that in a hybrid car:
- ChargingWhen the battery in an electric car is depleted, it needs to be recharged through an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU). Once the battery is empty, the electric car cannot be driven.In contrast, the battery in a hybrid car does not need to be recharged via an SPKLU. This is because the battery can recharge itself while the car is in use.
- How It WorksAccording to Auto 2000, the battery in an electric car works by supplying electricity to the motor to generate power. This allows the electric car to run wherever you want.Meanwhile, a hybrid car still requires gasoline to move. The electricity in the hybrid car battery is generated through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine.When the hybrid car brakes, the rotation of the wheels functions as a generator that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then stored in the hybrid car battery to power the motor.
- Battery LifespanOver time, the battery in both electric and hybrid cars may experience degradation, resulting in decreased performance. When this happens, the battery needs to be replaced with a new one.According to EV Connect, the average lifespan of the battery in both electric and hybrid cars is about 10 years. However, the lifespan can vary depending on how frequently the vehicle is used.If you frequently use your electric car for daily activities, the battery’s lifespan may be shorter. On the other hand, the battery can last longer with regular maintenance.
- Battery Replacement CostWhen it’s time to replace the battery in an electric car, you’ll need to be prepared for a hefty price tag. The cost of electric car batteries is more expensive than that of hybrid car batteries.For example, the battery for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Standard model costs around IDR 300 million, while the Long Range model costs about IDR 400 million. Meanwhile, the battery for the Innova Zenix Hybrid costs around IDR 40 million.
