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

The fundamental difference between the two vehicle types is that an electric car runs exclusively on electrical energy stored in a battery, while a hybrid car runs on a combination of electricity and conventional fuel.

A hybrid car is a car with dual propulsion, i.e. with a powertrain (power unit) that adds one or more electric motors to the internal combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and help with performance. On the simplest hybrid cars, i.e. mild hybrids, the size of the battery is not enough for the electric unit to propel the car on its own, unlike on full or plug-in hybrids.

The different characteristics and differences in terms of emissions generally result in a differentiated regime of incentives and privileges granted to these cars by government and local authorities, which are usually more generous for electric and plug-in hybrids, and less so for other types of hybrid cars.

Are electric cars and hybrid cars the same thing?

From the point of view of emissions, the 100% electric power supply of a vehicle is the only technology that can be said to have zero emissions while driving, considering the total elimination of nitrogen oxide (NOx ) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. These emissions, on the contrary, characterise the combustion processes of the thermal engines also present in hybrid vehicles. Even taking into account the sources used for energy production, it is estimated that the pollutant emissions of an electric vehicle over the entire “well-to-wheel” phase are around 66-69% lower in Europe compared to those of a petrol vehicle of the same category.
The driving experience is completely different between electric and hybrid cars. Electric cars are quieter and with the responsiveness typical of a battery engine, while for hybrids it depends on the technology adopted. It can be considered similar to that of conventional cars on mild hybrids, intermediate on full hybrids, and closer to the driving experience of electrics on plug-ins.

What is a plug-in hybrid car? How is it different from a conventional hybrid car?

A plug-in hybrid car has a combustion engine combined with one or more electric units attached - and this is the difference with conventional hybrids - to a rechargeable battery pack. The battery of plug-in hybrid cars is smaller than that of classic BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles, powered exclusively by a battery electric motor, and with zero emissions), but larger than that of other conventional hybrids. It can then be charged at private or public infrastructures, leading to significant fuel savings. With a fully charged battery, the plug-in hybrid car can be powered by the electric motor alone for several dozen kilometres.
The difference between plug-ins and conventional hybrids lies precisely in the possibility to charge the traction battery from the outside, a feature that allows the internal combustion engine to “rest” for longer while driving, making the electric motor work alone for much longer distances than on full hybrids that can only run on electricity for short distances.

Which car should I choose between an electric car and a hybrid?

Economic advantages make it more convenient to use full electric cars or, to a lesser extent, the hybrids closest to it, i.e. plug-ins.
In brief:

The electric car enjoys exemption from car tax for at least 5 years in all regions and payment at a reduced rate thereafter. In Lombardy and Piedmont, the exemption is open-ended.
The cost of refuelling is lower due to the lower outlay for electric refuelling, even more so if the driver subscribes to flat rates such as those provided by several operators. Those who use domestic photovoltaic systems can further reduce this cost.
The electric motor requires very little maintenance compared to an internal combustion engine, which significantly reduces running costs. Many municipalities also provide free parking in the blue stripes and access to LTZs for electric cars in the absence of the usual pass. This is available if the driver is a resident of the municipality and after registration of the number plate. The electric car enjoys more generous purchase incentives than other cars.
For the purchase of a hybrid car, various regions grant a multi-year exemption (3 years in many cases, but also a possible 5) or a subsidised payment (50% for 3 years in Lombardy) of the car tax. Some do not provide for exemptions.
On mild hybrids and full hybrids the cost per kilometre depends only on the fuel consumption of the vehicle.
On plug-ins, on the other hand, this cost can go down significantly by charging the battery frequently. This means that flat rates and the presence of domestic photovoltaic systems affect savings.
Since hybrids also have an internal combustion engine, mechanical interventions involve the replacement of fluids and wear parts, which makes the cost of servicing similar to that of conventional cars.
Further concessions for hybrid cars are not always provided: free parking on blue lines, for example, is only guaranteed by some municipalities. There are various facilities for access to LTZs, but with a range of solutions in the various municipalities that provide them. Purchase incentives are generally more generous for plug-ins than for mild and full hybrids.