The future of cars is here! We all know that the creation of eco-friendly cars has been a big change for all of us. With that change the discussion comes up…which is better electric or hybrid? There are so many differences between the two but there are also similarities. To find out which one is truly the best we will have to discuss everything from the range to the cost, so let's get into it!
The Basics:
To truly understand which car is better for you we need to understand what each car is. Let's start with the electric vehicle (EV). EV’s are cars that use only energy from a battery to power them. These cars have one very large battery underneath the cabin. This in turn causes the car to have lots of extra room for storage and passengers. These cars are fueled at specific charging stations. Some may also give you the option to charge it in your own home. Most of the time the specific charging stations are much faster than ones in your home.
Hybrid vehicles on the other hand are powered not only by electricity but also gas. These cars have batteries underneath but also a full blown engine. This causes there to be less space but also means you'll have a more practical driving experience. Lots of people don't want to give up the feeling of an engine and having that really makes the switch much easier.
Some great electric vehicle options are the Kona EV, and Niro EV. These cars are great options for anyone. They accommodate everyone's needs and wants. Some Hybrid vehicles that also fit this bill are the Mazda CX-90 and the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
Advantages of EV’s
The advantages of electric vehicles are very subjective and depend on your lifestyle. For some, the ability to charge at home may be ideal. While for others charging may be a chore or really hard to remember to do. Some basic advantages are the mileage, environmental impact, and efficiency. Electric cars usually have a very good mileage. Their range can be anywhere from 150 miles to over 400 miles. This is amazing for long trips. This is also great if you are feeling nervous about getting to another charger before you run out of energy. Having an electric car also means you are aiding in the mission to save our earth. Having no engine means no fumes being put into the air. This also means you wont need to buy gasoline which lowers the demand for gas. Which is great because it isn't an unlimited resource and it is very damaging to the earth to harvest. So eliminating that factor all together makes it so you don't have to spend money on gas, while also helping the planet.
EV’s are also extremely efficient. First off, they have amazing pickup since they don't need to rely on a combustion engine. This also means there are a lot less things to repair. Since there is only a battery you might just have to get your brakes checked every once in a while. Though some of them may be expensive they definitely pay themselves off very quickly. With no need for gas or costly repairs you can save so much money by just owning an EV.
Advantages of Hybrids
Again, the advantages of owning either car are subjective. But some of the main benefits include their practicality, lower prices, and they also cause less anxiety. Hybrid cars are great for many things but the main benefit is definitely how practical and reliable they are. Since they are run by gasoline primarily, that means you are able to go to gas stations as well as chargers. This makes it so you are always able to find a place to refuel. Lots of people are also already used to the workings of an engine powered car so owning a hybrid isn't much of a step up. All processes are the same but just some of the energy used to propel the car is stored in the battery for backup.
Hybrids are also usually less expensive than EV’s. This is because it is easier to create a hybrid than an electric car. It also costs less to make a hybrid since they don't rely on only energy. This also means you will have to repair a hybrid just as much as a normal car therefore causing it to be just as expensive. So it's really up to you where you want to spend your money. They also cause less anxiety. If you are nervous about electric cars and their range you won't have to be with a hybrid. Since they are fueled by gas this means you can rest assured you will find a place to get gas. Less anxiety may seem like a minor advantage but truly, you don't want to be nervous while driving everyday.
The Comparison
Range:
The range of both car types will vary from car to car. But the electric vehicle definitely beats the hybrid on this one. EV’s can have up to 500 miles on just energy power, while hybrids can only go a max of 50 miles on just energy. To be fair this isn't a very equal comparison. Electric vehicles are made to only run on electricity while hybrids are meant to use energy as a backup. So it really depends on your fueling preference.
Environmental Impact:
The introduction of energy powered cars has been a great step forward for the future health of our planet, but which is better environmentally. Overall the EV definitely beats the hybrid just because there are zero emissions from these cars. Unlike the hybrid which do have emissions because of their use of gasoline. So if you are looking for a fully green car, definitely look into electric vehicles. But if you are looking for a car that is still helping the environment while keeping the practicality of gas powered cars, look no further than the hybrid models.
No matter what you're looking for, one of these cars has it for you. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly and efficient car then maybe set your sights on an EV. But if you want a more practical and affordable vehicle, then look for a hybrid. Choosing between the two really depends on your lifestyle. Each of the cars are great but for different reasons. And it's up to you to decide which one is best for you.
Resources
https://www.progressive.com/answers/hybrid-vs-electric-cars
https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/is-ev-or-hybrid-better
https://www.energysage.com/electric-vehicles/costs-and-benefits-evs/evs-vs-hybrids
https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/should-you-buy-an-electric-vehicle-or-a-plug-in-hybrid