Apparently, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division means ‘Green’ Business as it wants to reduce its carbon footprint. A new line of performance EVs and hybrids are on the anvil, and to make it easier for the untutored, let’s dig in and find out how same or how different the two really are.
Did you know that EVs don’t have engines, but are powered by an electric motor that runs on battery? Just imagine, you will never run out of gas and all you have to do is to recharge your EV overnight, just like you do your smartphone or laptop.
As far as hybrids go, you have two to choose from: – the plug-in type and the conventional hybrid. The latter is equipped with an electric motor and an engine. The motor uses the battery to power on and is recharged while the car is driven. The engine uses the power from the motor to move the car. Although the plug-in hybrid has the same combination, it has the advantage of using its gasoline engine in addition to its electric motor. When the battery stops working, it switches over to the gasoline engine. Thus the driver has an option to choose from– either the electric motor for short drives or the internal engine for longer ones.
The biggest drawback of plug-in-hybrids is that there are just a few models to choose from as against a bigger model offering of EVs.
EVs are great as they produce zero emissions; however, the hybrids are not far behind, they produce less emissions than conventional vehicles and hence pollute the atmosphere less. As electricity costs less than gas, an EV appears to be more economical. Hybrid cars have a high fuel efficiency when compared to conventional vehicles, but EVs are believed to transfer almost 62 percent of electrical energy to its wheels. Both hybrids and EVs offer smooth and quiet rides.
here are downsides though—EVs are expensive, the battery has to be charged after 100-140 miles and if you don’t find a charging station, you’re stuck. The batteries are too expensive and don’t last very many years.
Daimler is all set to release four AMG EVs between 2020 and 2022 and work is on to ensure enhanced performance, greater efficiency while reducing battery degradation. It is also slated to develop “performance versions of Mercedes plug-in hybrids,” the main difference being in the electric rear-wheel drive system. Faster charging, stronger motors and high-voltage batteries are the salient features. As far as plug-in hybrids go, they certainly figure in Mercedes-Benz’s and Mercedes-AMG’s future.
Over the next five years, Ford has promised to roll out 13 new EVs and hybrids that includes versions of the Mustang, F-150 and Transit Connect.
Choosing either a plug-in-hybrid or an Ev could benefit you, because both are eligible for tax rebates and state tax credits. So if fuel-efficiency and tax rebates are the factors that catch your eye, then you will be better off with either of them. You just need to choose from what works best for you in a particular situation.