With the environment being at the forefront of many motorists’ thoughts and increasing pressure to lower carbon emissions, hybrid and electric cars are becoming ever-popular. While one may provide advantages over the other, each has a time to shine.
Let’s compare hybrid and electric so you can choose the best:
1. How Hybrid Cars Work
Hybrid cars make use of both a conventional gasoline engine in addition to an electric motor.
There are two primary types of hybrids:
Parallel Hybrids: These are the cars that are powered by a gasoline engine, electric motor or both at the same time. Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are the best examples. The electric motor makes the gasoline engine more efficient in acceleration than it would be otherwise—that’s why it helps raise the average fuel economy.
Plug-in Hybrids: It’s a more advanced type of hybrid than the one described above. These also offer a bigger battery pack and have plug-in capabilities. A plug-in hybrid is capable of running solely on electricity for a shorter range, typically something like 20-50 miles before the engine switches to gasoline. Among these plug-in hybrids, Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Prime are the best..
Advantages of Hybrid Cars:
Higher Miles: The most expected benefit of all with hybrids is that you get more miles per gallon compared to traditional gasoline cars. This calculates to less fuel expenses.
Less Pollution: They have fewer emissions than a standard gas car, which also leads to less emissions.
More Distance: The most exciting feature of hybrids is the ability to travel more distance mixing both gasoline & electricity, making them great on longer rides.
Regenerative Breaking: Energy during breaks is captured and stored for battery charging which enables better efficiency.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars:
Higher Initial Cost — Hybrid cars generally have a higher price than traditional automobile that runs on gasoline alone.
Range of Electric-Only Power: Even the most powerful regular hybrids still have a limited all-electric range.
2. About Electric Cars
Electric cars draw their power purely from electricity in a battery pack. There is no gasoline engine, only electric motors. Tesla Model 3 Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt are the best in this segment.
Advantages of Electric Cars:
Zero Emission: EV emits zero tailpipe emissions and acts as an environmentally friendly vehicle.
Lower Operating Cost: Because electricity is cheaper than gasoline so the fuel cost will be lower. In addition, EVs have fewer parts compared to others which reduces the service intervals.
Smooth operation: Electric cars are the quietest cars ironically.
Financial incentives from the governments: Many of them provide tax credit along with subsidies which helps reduce initial costs associated with an electric vehicle.
Disadvantages of Electric Cars
Not Apt For Long Trips: Electric vehicles generally offer a range of 150-300 miles per charge, which can be limiting for long trips and requires frequent charging stops. Unlike quick refueling at gas stations, charging takes more time, and the charging infrastructure is still developing, especially in remote areas.
Costs More Upfront: The sticker price for most electric cars is higher than comparable gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicles.
3. How to Decide Between a Hybrid and an Electric Car?
Trips: Once charged at home, EV is apt for going on short trips like to work. But if you are planning on long trips hybrids or gas are more practical options.
Sustainability: Electric cars are the most sustainable since they do not emit any fumes. Electric cars produce no pollution, but hybrids can still cause a little more damage via emissions than gas cars.
Budget: For the most part, hybrids will cost less to begin with than electrics. With electric cars, you can save money in the long term with reduced costs from fuel and maintenance.
Range: If you do lots of long-distance drives, then a hybrid would suit you because it can go for longer without worrying, and gas stations are more abundant. Electric cars would be ideal for city use or drives of shorter ranges.
