---
title: "What is the difference between a hybrid car and an electric car?"  
description: "What is the difference between a hybrid car and an electric car?"  
author: "Kacper Jankowski"  
published: 2026-11-13  
updated: 2026-11-13  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/120041/what-is-the-difference-between-a-hybrid-car-and-an-electric-car  
category: "Artificial Intelligence"  
tags: ["hybrid vs electric car", "EV", "petrol hybrid", "fuel efficiency"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What is the difference between a hybrid car and an electric car?



## Answers

### Answer by Oliver Moore

- **A hybrid car** has both a petrol engine and an electric motor with a small battery. The battery charges mainly from the engine and braking, so you never plug it in. It improves mileage, especially in city traffic.
- **A plug-in hybrid** has a larger battery you can charge from a socket, allowing short trips on electricity alone.
- **A fully electric car (EV)** runs only on a battery and electric motor and must be charged from an outlet or charger.

Hybrids suit people who want better mileage without depending on charging infrastructure. More in [cars and vehicles](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/questions/cars-and-vehicles).


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/120041/what-is-the-difference-between-a-hybrid-car-and-an-electric-car

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