Learn the differences between electric cars vs hybrid cars to choose which one is best for you. Learn more about self-charging and plug-ins by continuing to read.
Choosing the car and the difference between electric cars and hybrid cars mainly depends on how much you want to depend on gasoline. All-electric cars don’t use gas at all. Instead, you charge them at home or a fast-charging station, giving you a range of several hundred miles. This means no more detours to the gas station on your way to work, and no more worrying about rising gas prices.
Hybrid cars, on the other hand, still need gasoline. Some hybrids, called plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), must also be charged. Others recharge their batteries on their own using features like regenerative braking.
When it comes to performance, electric cars tend to offer a smoother ride and faster acceleration compared to non-PHEV hybrids. Hybrid or electric vehicles? the two are not the same. Hybrid cars may alternate between conventional gas and electrical power, whereas electric vehicles (EVs) are only powered by electricity.
Discover our helpful comparison of Electric Cars vs Hybrid Cars below.
What is an Electric Car?
Electrical power from onboard batteries powers electric cars or EVs. Some cars can travel over 300 miles between charges because of the extremely big batteries. Electric vehicles (EVs) may be charged at home, at petrol stations, and specially designated EV charging locations around the nation, in contrast to typical combustion engines that need to stop at gasoline pumps to recharge.
Though not yet perfect, electric vehicles have advanced significantly in recent years. They do, however, have a lengthy history that dates back to 1890.
This “electrified wagon” could accommodate six people and attain a peak speed of 14 mph, which is far faster than the current Tesla Model’s capacity.
Nowadays, a wide variety of electric cars are available, with the majority of manufacturers offering at least one EV model. There are EVs to fit all budgets and tastes; whether you’re looking for a truck, family SUV, or little electric car, there’s a brand and model for you.
What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid vehicle runs on electricity but can also be converted to run on gas. One option is a plug-in hybrid, which can be fueled at home or a station much like an all-electric car.
Alternatively, you may get a self-charging hybrid that uses both the engine and the brakes to charge itself. Introduced in Japan in 1997, the Prius was the first hybrid car to be built in large quantities.
Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid
A hybrid is still a hybrid, but there are a few key differences between the two types.
- A plug-in hybrid needs to be plugged into a power source to recharge, while a full hybrid recharges itself.
- Plug-in hybrids come with bigger batteries, which makes them more expensive to charge.
- Both types can also recharge through regenerative braking.
Electric Cars vs Hybrid Cars
Discover the difference between electric cars and hybrid cars (electric cars vs hybrid cars) below.
| Specifications | Electric | Hybrid |
| Fueling | Electric Only | Electric, Petrol, Diesel |
| Tax Incentives & Benefits | Yes | Yes |
| Charging | Charging Station | Can Self Charge |
| Zero Pipe Emissions | Yes | No |
| Range Concern | Common as recharge stations are required | Low, Thanks to gas alternatives & self-charging |
| Oil & Engine Maintenance | Not Required | Required |
Hybrid vs Electric Cars Pros and Cons
The percentage of people who use electric automobiles and vehicles (EVs) has increased recently. The Hybrid vs Electric Cars Pros and Cons for the environment are discussed here, along with potential implications for you.
Hybrid Cars Advantages
A hybrid car easily switches between electric power and gas, offering several benefits over fully electric vehicles.
- You can switch to gas when the battery is low, ensuring you never run out of power.
- Longer trips are stress-free, with more refueling options available, so range anxiety is no longer an issue.
- The battery recharges itself using regenerative braking, allowing you to travel further without stopping to charge.
- In cold weather, hybrids are easier to handle. The engine kicks in to start the car, helping it perform well even in low temperatures.
Hybrid Cars Disadvantages
- Hybrid cars generally cost more to insure than petrol or diesel cars due to their expensive technology. However, some insurers offer discounts as hybrids are more eco-friendly.
- While hybrids have a higher upfront cost, their lower running expenses can make the investment worthwhile.
- These cars prioritize fuel efficiency, often sacrificing performance, so they tend to be slower than traditional cars.
- With two engines, hybrids are heavier, impacting handling. Plus, their batteries use rare-earth materials, making replacements costly.
Electric Cars Advantages
The electric cars advantages are as follows:
- Forget about fueling up at gas stations. Instead, you can easily charge your car at home. Plus, many public charging stations are available, including some at gas stations.
- Since all-electric cars don’t need an engine, they have bigger batteries, allowing you to travel longer distances on a single charge.
- Without a noisy internal combustion engine, your drives are smoother and more peaceful.
- All-electric cars require less upkeep. For example, there’s no need for oil changes or many other services that gas-powered cars need.
Disadvantages of Electric Cars on the Environment
The Disadvantages of Electric Cars on the Environment are less as compared to the other types of vehicles.
- The fear that your electric vehicle (EV) won’t be able to reach its intended location without running out of power is known as “range anxiety.”
- Where and how frequently to charge an EV is another issue that many prospective EV buyers have. It can be more costly to charge in public than to charge at home.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) require a significantly longer time to fully charge than gasoline tanks, which may fill in a couple of minutes. If you travel great distances by car frequently, this can be a problem.
- At the moment, the cost of purchasing a new electric vehicle (EV) is more than that of its gasoline or diesel-powered counterpart, resulting in a larger initial outlay when switching.
The Future
Electric vehicles are the future. They are already becoming more popular, and we can expect even greater growth. Soon, cars will have longer driving ranges, more charging stations will pop up across the country, and hybrids may disappear altogether. Both GM and Volvo have announced they’ll only be producing electric vehicles by 2035.
With the Inflation Reduction Act, you can get up to a $7,500 tax credit on certain new electric vehicles. For used EVs, there’s a tax credit of up to $4,000. In the coming years, EV drivers may see even more perks and discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What distinguishes hybrid cars from electric ones?
The main distinction between electric cars vs hybrid cars is how much petrol they consume. The only power source for electric models is their battery and motor combination. Hybrid cars still use gasoline engines, but their battery and motor architecture add to their fuel economy. EVs and hybrid vehicles require oil changes, but EVs do not require an engine.
What distinguishes hybrid cars from plug-in hybrids?
Although in different ways, both vehicles make use of a combustion engine and a battery and motor arrangement. Standard hybrids don’t require an electrical outlet. They use energy capture to power their vehicles. For instance, when your car stops, renewable brake technology helps them save the combustibility that would otherwise be wasted. PHEVs may also make use of this technology, but to charge their bigger batteries, they also require a plug.
Electric Cars vs Hybrid Cars: Which one’s cheaper?
Although electric cars are often more costly than hybrid ones, you’ll end up saving more money over time since you won’t need to pay for gas or frequent oil changes. While not eliminating gasoline expenditures, a hybrid vehicle can help lower them. On the other hand, a hybrid often costs less to buy than an electric vehicle. Meet with one of our experts to discuss the models you are thinking about in more depth.
Can hybrid cars run on gas only?
Hybrid cars are capable of running only on gasoline. For instance, a mild hybrid car usually runs largely on gasoline, but its regenerative braking system helps it have better fuel efficiency. When the battery in a plug-in hybrid runs low, it will ultimately turn to running on gasoline alone. However, it can drive a certain distance entirely on electricity. Drive modes on a lot of hybrid vehicles allow you to change the fuel source.