The hybrid vs electric car comparison and winner comes down to differences in technology, driving range, environmental impact, costs and current infrastructure setups.
Hybrid vs Electric Car
The choice between hybrid and electric cars is dependent on driving habits, budget and preference. Let’s take a look at what the future holds with hybrid vs electric cars and what car may be more suited for you.
Hybrid Car
A hybrid car works by combining an ICE (internal combustion engine with an electric motor. In a parallel hybrid, both the engine and electric motor can either operate independently or work together.
The other type of hybrid car is a series hybrid where the engine serves only as a generator to charge the battery. The battery then powers the electric motor that drives the vehicle.
Advantages of Hybrid Vehicles
1. No Range Anxiety
One of the biggest advantages of a hybrid vs electric car is that there is no need for range anxiety, one of the biggest disadvantages with EVs. Whenever there is a gas station a hybrid vehicle can easily refuel.
2. Extended Driving Range
Hybrid vehicles give the flexibility of utilising both gas and electricity. The Toyota RAV4 Prime for example has a 14.5-gallon (55L) fuel tank. It also has the ability to drive 42 miles (68km) on its battery which is renergized by a plugin charger and the regenerative braking system.
3. Plugin Flexibility
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can be charged through an electrical outlet with the added convenience of switching to gasoline for longer trips. The Toyota RAV4 Prime previously mentioned can go 42 miles (68km) exclusively off an electric battery. If a daily trip falls within this range it could be a real cost effective car to use as a daily driver.
4. Hybrids Cheaper
A hybrid vs electric car decision for many will come down to cost. EV technology is still in its infancy and the upfront cost is more expensive mostly because of the battery technology. Hybrids are much cheaper due to having a traditional internal combustion engine and much smaller battery cells.
5. Hybrid Options
There are many types of hybrids to suit different. preferences. Mild hybrids are typically charged through power from an ICE engine or from regenerative braking. They only give a small boost to an internal combustion engine or may exclusively power things like the stereo or air conditioning.
A parallel hybrid engine can be powered either directly by the engine, the electrical motor, or by both systems together. Another option is a series hybrid which powers the wheels by an electric motor, with an internal combustion engine providing power to the electric motor.
Electric Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles might be seen as the stepping stone before electric cars, acting as a bridge when making the shift from ICE (internal combustion engine) to EVs. Electric cars are gaining significant momentum as the future of automobiles.
Advantages of Electric Vehicles
1. Battery Power
There are many benefits of owning an EV and it all starts with the battery. An internal combustion engine typically converts 20-30% of gas into energy to propel a car. EV cars convert about 80% of electrical energy to achieve the same result. An electric car takes full advantage of battery technology which is far more efficient than hybrid cars.
2. Zero Tailpipe Emissions
For those that have a vested interest in their individual environmental impact electric cars are better than hybrids. There are no tailpipe emissions emitted in an EV, effectively eliminating their greenhouse gas footprint after production and when combined with renewable energy resources to recharge your car.
3. Electric Car Maintenance is Easier
Electric car maintenance is far easier vs hybrid cars. With less moving parts there are far fewer trips needed to a mechanic. No exhaust system, no spark plugs, no transmission maintenance. Regenerative braking also extends the life of brakes. Not only are EVs cheaper to maintain over hybrids, it’s far more convenient with maintenance and updates for EVs as they’re typically done over the air (OTA) via a download.
4. Lower Operating Costs
The initial outlay of an electric vehicle is more expensive than hybrid vehicles at this point in time. If you get past this, the costs of running an EV vs hybrid are typically cheaper. Maintenance is far less for EVs with fewer moving parts and simpler mechanical systems.
5. Government Incentives
In the hybrid vs electric car debate government incentives continue to propel the adoption of electric vehicles. Rebates, reduced registration fees and tax credits are favorable for fuel-efficient vehicles. Gas-based hybrid support is being phased out in certain jurisdictions.
Hybrid vs Electric Car Winner
The hybrid vs electric car debate is an important one in the evolution of automobiles. Both types of vehicles represent significant advancements in technology and offer benefits beyond what internal combustion engine cars can offer.
Determining whether a hybrid or electric car is better ultimately comes down to individual preference and convenience as both offer unique advantages. It was earlier mentioned that hybrid vehicles are a stepping stone to electric cars and that can’t be overlooked in finding a winner.
Everything an electric car has is effectively a more advanced version of what a hybrid car has to offer. A hybrid doesn’t take full advantage of battery technology, isn’t as environmentally friendly, is harder and more expensive to maintain and government incentives are continuing to diminish.
For those that see the evolution of electric cars happening far too quickly perhaps hybrid cars are the better option. It may also be a calculated decision that pays off. Electric car technology is increasing range, speed and electrical consumption efficiencies at a rapid pace so waiting patiently and buying in at the right time can get you more bang for your buck.
With that said the future is now. Electric vehicles are the future, and whether it’s a future that is shared with internal combustion engine vehicles remains to be seen. When it comes to a hybrid vs electric car, why not get ahead of the game before everyone else does? Electric cars are the clear winner.
