Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric vs. Hybrid Car
Comparing Electric vs. Hybrid Cars: What’s the Difference?
In the early 2000s, a combination of rising gas prices and growing concerns about carbon emissions from petroleum led to the release of the first commercially available hybrid car. Today, more consumers than ever before are looking to make vehicle purchases that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. While electric vehicles used to be expensive and out of reach for the everyday consumer, these cars are rapidly growing in popularity and availability.
But, with so many new electric vehicles and hybrids on the market, how do you know which one to buy? If you’re trying to decide between electric vs. hybrid cars, then we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn more about how the two compare, so you can decide which vehicle is right for you.
Electric vs. Hybrid Cars: Which is Right for You?
From price and efficiency to maintenance and performance, let’s take a closer look at how electric vehicles compare to hybrids.
Mechanics
When comparing electric vs. hybrid cars, it’s important to start with the basics — the power source. Unlike conventional automobiles that use a gasoline-powered engine, an electric vehicle (EV) is propelled by an electric motor. While an EV is powered entirely by electricity, hybrids offer both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The hybrid’s electric motor allows the driver to travel only a limited distance before its gasoline engine takes over.
Energy Efficiency
Both electric and hybrid vehicles utilize regenerative braking technology, which uses the energy that is wasted when a car slows down to recharge the battery. Compared to gas-powered cars, electric vehicles are approximately four times more efficient. Because these vehicles don’t use any fuel at all, they are also more energy-efficient than hybrids. However, unlike a hybrid, this means there is no backup engine to help you out in case the car’s battery runs out of power.
Cost
Electric vehicles and hybrids both tend to cost more than conventional cars — but don’t be deceived by the initial price. While these eco-friendly cars may cost more upfront, they will usually end up saving you money in the long run. The purchase price is just one cost of owning a vehicle — and over the lifetime of a gas-powered car, fuel costs can quickly add up.
Because electric vehicles are powered solely by electricity, these cars are cheaper to fuel than hybrids, which rely on a combination of gas and electricity. Compared to a gasoline-powered car, a recent study found that an EV owner can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 per year on fuel.
Maintenance
Although it’s difficult to predict maintenance costs, electric vehicles typically require minimal maintenance. Routine maintenance for EVs consists of tire care, air conditioning servicing, brake cleaning, and engine coolant flushing. These cars don’t require tune-ups, oil changes, spark plug replacements, belt repairs, and so on. Consumer Reports found that electric vehicle owners spent half as much on maintenance compared to someone with a conventional car.
Performance and Range
When it comes to performance, electric vehicles offer a smooth, quiet ride with no noticeable gear-shifting. However, because an electric vehicle can only travel as far as its battery allows, most EVs are limited to approximately 60 to 70 miles of total range. Meanwhile, a hybrid can travel 30 to 40 miles using electric power and an additional 200 to 300 miles on gasoline. Therefore, a hybrid might be the better choice for drivers who frequently travel long distances.
Buying Your Next Eco-Friendly Car at M&L
Combining the energy efficiency of an electric vehicle with the range of a traditional car, a hybrid is truly the best of both worlds. However, when comparing electric vs. hybrid cars, an electric vehicle is the most eco-friendly and energy-efficient choice — offering minimal maintenance, lower fuel costs, and optimal performance.
If you’re interested in purchasing a car with the latest fuel-efficient technology, you can’t go wrong with either vehicle. Click the button below to contact us and learn more about our selection of eco-friendly automobiles!
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