What Are Hybrids & EVs & How Do They Work? | Lafayette, LA

As the automotive industry has started transitioning into the new world of electrified vehicles, we have seen new models making their way onto dealership lots. This new technology has been slowly making its mark on the industry and has caught many consumers' attention. This attention has brought on many questions around the topic, including what hybrid and electric vehicles are and how they are different from the traditional vehicles we have known for decades. Let us at Community Honda Lafayette clarify the differences between hybrid and electric vehicles for you! 

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

Essentially, a hybrid vehicle is a combination of an electric vehicle and a traditional gas engine vehicle. Hybrid vehicles have a dual motor system made up of one electric motor and one traditional gas engine. The electric motor supplements the engine by creating energy from regenerative braking. The combination of these two motors results in less gasoline burned and, therefore, better fuel economy.

How Do They Work?

The electric motor is run by a high-voltage battery pack, which is separate from a car's conventional battery. This battery is replenished by capturing energy from deceleration, which occurs through the regenerative braking system. This system of creating energy is what makes a hybrid vehicle different from an electric vehicle. The hybrid vehicle creates its own energy and, therefore, does not need to be plugged in to recharge. As these two systems work together to make your vehicle run, you can achieve maximum fuel savings and go further for longer.     

Honda Hybrid Models  

Hybrid vehicles are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Honda has made a commitment to our environment and has dedicated research to achieving Honda cars and models at an affordable price range for consumers. 

Honda has a growing lineup of hybrid vehicles. The beloved Accord and CR-V both come in a hybrid version, and in 2024, Honda launched the Prologue, its first all-electric model! Discover more details on what these vehicles have to offer below! 

Get to Know Honda's Hybrid Vehicle Lineup 

Honda CR-V Hybrid

This SUV has a starting MSRP of $34,650 and an estimated EPA of 43/36 city/highway mpg. Additional feature highlights include: 

-212 Total System Horsepower

-Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System

-Available Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate

-Two-Motor Hybrid System

-Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) with B-Range Shift and Deceleration -Selectors

-In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine

Honda Accord Hybrid 

This Honda sedan-style vehicle has a starting MSRP of $33,655 and an estimated MPG rating of 46/41 city/highway. Additional feature highlights include: 

-212 Total System Horsepower

-Available Head-Up Display

-Available 19-Inch Alloy Wheels

-Two-Motor Hybrid System

-Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with Deceleration Selectors

-In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine

Honda Civic Hybrid

This Honda model has both a sedan and a hatchback hybrid available. With a starting MSRP of $29,295 and an estimated MPG rating of 50/47 city/highway. Additional features include: 

-200-hp Hybrid Powertrain*

-Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with Deceleration Selectors

-4-Mode Drive System incl. Sport, ECON, and Individual Modes

-Heated Front Seats

-7-Inch Color Touch-Screen

-Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System

What is an Electric Vehicle? 

An electric vehicle (EV) is powered entirely by electricity stored in a high-capacity battery pack. Unlike hybrid vehicles, EVs do not have a gasoline engine. Instead, they rely on electric motors for propulsion. EVs are known for producing zero tailpipe emissions and are crucial to the shift towards environmentally friendly transportation.

How Do They Work? 

Electric vehicles draw power from a rechargeable battery pack that supplies energy to one or more electric motors. These motors drive the vehicle’s wheels, offering smooth and instantaneous acceleration. The battery pack is plugged into an external power source, such as a home or public charging station. EVs require no gasoline and have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs than traditional vehicles.

Get to Know Honda Electric Model Lineup

The Prologue marks the beginning of Honda’s electric vehicle lineup, with more EV models expected to follow in the coming years. Honda’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly vehicles ensures there’s something for everyone—from hybrids to fully electric models—all designed to meet the needs of modern drivers.

Honda Prologue 

This all-electric vehicle has a starting MSRP of $47,400 and has an estimated EPS range of 296 miles. Additional feature highlights include:

-Single Motor Front-Wheel Drive with 212 Horsepower 

-Available Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive with 288 Horsepower

-85 kWh Battery Capacity

-19-in Alloy Wheels

-LED Headlights

-Auto High Beam Headlights

-Dual Zone Climate Control

Honda CR-V e:FCEV

This Honda model has a strong MSRP of $50,000 and has an estimated EPS range of 270 miles. Take a look at the additional features in the newest Honda EV: 

-Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell 

-AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor

-174 hp

-LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off

-Rain-Sensing Windshield Windshield Wipers

-Push Button Start

Shop Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in Lafayette, LA 

Interested in learning more about Honda's hybrid and electric options? Head to your local Honda dealership, Community Honda Lafayette, where our professional sales team is ready to help you! You can visit us at 1407 Surrey St, Lafayette, LA 70501, or give our sales team a call at (337) 362-0627. We look forward to assisting our customers from Lafayette, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, New Iberia, and Youngsville find their perfect Honda.