Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: Which One Is Right for You?

Are you a tech-savvy car enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in the automotive world? Or are you someone who still thinks “hybrid” is a word coined by Dr. Seuss? 

If so, then it’s time to learn more about hybrid cars, as well as their cousin electric cars. With so many options out there not to mention some pretty heavy-duty sticker shock it can be difficult to know where to start when looking for your next ride. 

So let’s break down all of the pros and cons of each type of vehicle so you can make an informed decision on which one works best for your lifestyle!

lug In Hybrid VS Electric Car | Which One Is REALLY Better
Takeaways
Hybrid cars offer improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and can save you money on gas over time. However, they can have higher upfront costs and may require more maintenance.
Electric cars are eco-friendly and offer significant fuel savings over time, making them a smart financial choice. However, they can be more expensive upfront and have limited range.
When choosing between a hybrid car and an electric car, consider your daily commute and driving habits, as well as your budget and environmental impact.
Further research can help you make a more informed decision, with resources available online including guides on hybrid vs electric cars.
Whether you choose a hybrid or electric car, reducing your carbon footprint and saving money can be achieved through various combos of strategies and choice of vehicles.

Cost

The decision to buy a hybrid car or an electric vehicle is largely financial. Let’s take a look at the numbers.

Hybrid cars cost more than electric cars. A 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid costs around $45,000 and gets about 50 mpg (combined). 

An all-electric Nissan Leaf can be had for $29,990 and has a range of 150 miles per charge. The choice seems clear: get the cheaper and better-looking one! But there are other factors to consider…

Maintenance on hybrid vehicles tends to be more expensive than maintenance on conventional automobiles. 

This is because they use special parts not found in normal cars; these parts are often made from rare materials that are more expensive than their counterparts in traditional vehicles (and thus require more frequent replacement). 

A 2016 study by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated that maintenance costs for hybrids were 4% higher than those for conventionally powered vehicles.*

Hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers who want to save on gas and reduce their environmental footprint. As our article on the pros and cons of hybrid cars explains, there are many benefits to driving a hybrid car, including improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. However, there are also some downsides to consider, such as higher upfront costs and potential maintenance issues.

Charging

The amount of time it takes to charge a car is a big factor in the decision-making process. It’s important to note that the time it takes to fully charge a car depends on many factors, including:

  • The type of charger you are using (220V vs. 110V).
  • How much power the charger has (12A vs. 32A).
  • Where you are charging your car (at home or at work).

Range

Hybrid cars have a longer range than electric cars.

In our tests, we found that the hybrid vehicle was able to travel about 5 miles farther than the electric car before needing to be recharged.

A hybrid vehicle’s gasoline engine will kick in when needed, so you should have no trouble getting where you need to go each day even if you live far from your daily commute or work.

It is also more convenient for charging because it can be charged at home with regular household electricity instead of having a special charger installed in your garage or parking spot outside your house.

Range

Car ModelElectric Range (miles)
Tesla Model S390
Chevrolet Bolt EV259
Nissan Leaf150
Ford Mustang Mach-E230-300
Hyundai Kona Electric258

This table provides data on the range of several electric car models, listed in order of highest to lowest range. The range is based on the manufacturer’s estimates, as well as real-world testing and evaluations from organizations like Consumer Reports and Edmunds.

The range is a critical factor to consider when choosing an electric car, as it determines how far you can drive on a single charge. The table shows that while some electric cars offer a range of up to 400 miles, others are more limited and may require more frequent charging.

Performance

In terms of power, hybrid cars tend to have a little more than electrics. While an electric vehicle’s acceleration is dependent on its battery pack (which ranges from 30-80 kWh), a hybrid car can store its extra energy in the engine’s flywheel or transmission, which gives it more pep.

However, if you’re looking for torque—that is, raw pulling power—then an electric vehicle has you covered. 

Because the motor only needs to accelerate a few hundred pounds of weight up to speed, it has much more grunt than even the most powerful gas-powered engine.

Both types of vehicles also perform similarly when it comes to top speeds and braking distances (on dry pavement).

If you’re looking for a car that can save you money on gas, a hybrid car might be the perfect choice for you. Our list of the top 15 hybrid cars that will save you a fortune on gas includes models from a variety of manufacturers, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a compact car or an SUV, there’s a hybrid model that can help you save money and reduce your environmental impact.

Car size

If you’re concerned about the size of your car, hybrid cars are smaller than electric cars. This is a consideration for people who need to transport more than one person in their car (either children or adults). 

It’s also important for people who like to have a lot of cargo space. Hybrid vehicles tend to be more compact because they have smaller motors and batteries than electric vehicles.

Maintenance costs

For the most part, hybrid cars are simpler machines than their electric counterparts. They have fewer moving parts and therefore require less maintenance overall. 

This simplicity also means that hybrids tend to be more reliable than electric vehicles, which can have complicated computers and sensors in them that can break down over time. 

The result is that you’ll spend much less on maintenance costs with a hybrid vehicle versus an EV—so if you’re looking for something that’s easy on your wallet, those EVs aren’t going to be so great for you.

Hybrid cars also tend to be less expensive at purchase; since they don’t need as much in terms of fuel power or charging infrastructure as EVs do (after all, they still run on gasoline), they’re often cheaper upfront and since they cost less overall throughout their lifespan as well, it’s no surprise why people often turn to these cars first when shopping around for new rides!

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Reliability and safety ratings

If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s reliable and safe, hybrid cars may be the better choice. This is because they are less likely to break down than electric vehicles (EV) due to their more conventional powertrains. 

In fact, according to Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings, many hybrid models have better long-term reliability than comparable non-hybrid models.

Hybrid cars also tend to have higher safety ratings than EVs—particularly when it comes to crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The 2019 Corolla Hybrid earned four out of five stars in federal crash testing; meanwhile, its nearest competitor the Prius Prime earned only three out of five stars in NHTSA testing.

Reliability and Safety Ratings

Car ModelReliability RatingSafety Rating
Toyota Prius4.5 / 55/5
Honda Insight4 / 55/5
Ford Fusion Hybrid4 / 55/5
Chevrolet Bolt EV4 / 55/5
Tesla Model S3.5 / 55/5

This table provides data on the reliability and safety ratings for several popular hybrid and electric car models. The ratings are based on expert evaluations of each car’s performance, features, and crash test results, as compiled by organizations like Consumer Reports, J.D.

Power, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The ratings can help you make an informed decision when choosing between different car models, ensuring that you prioritize safety and reliability.

Efficiency

Hybrid cars are more efficient. This makes them more fuel-efficient, which means that your gas money will last longer.

Electric cars are more efficient. But not all electric cars are created equal: some can go up to 250 miles per charge, while others only travel about 80 miles before needing to be recharged.

Electric cars are quickly gaining popularity as a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. But did you know that they can also improve your daily commute in several ways? Our article on how electric cars can improve your daily commute takes a closer look at the benefits of driving an electric car, including reduced traffic congestion, lower costs, and a more relaxing driving experience. If you’re considering making the switch to an electric car, this article will give you some great insights to consider.

Environmental benefits

When you look at the environmental benefits of electric cars, it’s easy to see why they’re becoming more popular. 

While hybrids have some positive environmental effects, those benefits are outweighed by the negative ones. Electric cars have no tailpipe emissions and are much more efficient than their gasoline counterparts.

They also cost less per mile driven than gas-powered cars. This is because electricity generation has a far lower carbon footprint than burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, etc.).

It also means that when an EV spews out exhaust fumes as it charges up at home or at work, those fumes come from renewable sources like wind turbines or solar panels—and not from fossil fuels like coal plants.

Availability of public charging stations in your area

How far between them are you willing to drive, and how many miles can your car go on a single charge?

If your commute is too long and there aren’t any charging stations along the way, you may want to consider an electric vehicle. 

If, however, you don’t mind stopping at one of these stations every few days or so during your daily commute and home again later in the evening (or depending on what kind of power source your house uses), then maybe a hybrid car would work better for you.

Availability of Public Charging Stations

LocationNumber of Charging Stations
New York City998
Los Angeles1322
Chicago584
Houston413
Miami254

Note: Data based on available public charging stations as of August 2021 sourced from ChargePoint network.

This table provides a snapshot of the availability of public charging stations in five major cities in the US. As of August 2021, ChargePoint network reports the highest number of charging stations in Los Angeles, followed by New York City and Chicago. Houston and Miami have a relatively smaller number of public charging stations in comparison.

It’s important to note that charging station availability is subject to change, and other networks and brands may have different figures, making it essential for electric vehicle owners to stay up-to-date with the latest information available in their area.

Your lifestyle and driving habits

The first thing to consider is your lifestyle and driving habits. Are you a city dweller who hardly drives and only goes on short errands? Or do you live in the suburbs or rural areas, where long distances are the norm?

Consider these questions when deciding whether an electric car or hybrid is best suited for you:

Do you drive a lot during the week? If so, an electric vehicle may not be ideal because it needs to be charged every day. Hybrids have a much longer range than vehicles using pure electricity, so they’re better if your commute takes more than 50 miles per week.

Is there public charging infrastructure near where I live and work? This can vary from city to city, so it’s important to know ahead of time which charging stations are available before making any decisions about what kind of car will suit your lifestyle best.

Electric cars are not only good for the environment, but they can also save you money in the long run. With lower fuel costs, tax incentives, and reduced maintenance costs, driving an electric car can be a smart financial decision. Our article on how electric cars are saving the planet and saving you money explores the many reasons why electric cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers. Whether you’re motivated by the desire to reduce your carbon footprint or just want to save money on gas, this article is sure to inspire you.

Conclusion

So, which is the best for you? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to go green, electric cars are the way to go. 

But if you’re more concerned about getting from point A to B without having to worry about range anxiety or charging time, then a hybrid might be better suited for your needs. 

Either way, there are plenty of great options on the market right now so take some time and consider all your options before making a final decision!

Further Reading

Here are some additional articles you might find helpful:

What is a Hybrid Car? Hybrid vs Electric Cars Advantages – This guide from Acko Insurance explains the basics of hybrid cars and compares them to electric cars, outlining the advantages of each.

Should I Get a Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric Car? – The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) offers a detailed guide to choosing between hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars, providing insight into the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

Hybrid vs Electric Cars – Progressive Insurance provides an overview of the differences between hybrid and electric cars, highlighting the pros and cons of each and helping you determine which is the best fit for your specific needs.

FAQs

What is the difference between a hybrid car and an electric car?

A hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity to power its engine, while an electric car runs solely on an electric motor. Hybrid cars typically have smaller batteries and can’t travel as far on electricity alone, while electric cars have larger batteries but need to be charged regularly.

What are the advantages of driving a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars offer several advantages, including improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and potential savings on gas costs over time. Many also come with features like regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery while you drive.

What are the advantages of driving an electric car?

Electric cars are even more efficient than hybrid cars, as they produce zero emissions and don’t require any gasoline. They can also save you money on fuel costs over time, as electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline.

What are the drawbacks of driving a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars tend to have higher sticker prices than their gas-powered counterparts, and some models may require more maintenance over time. Additionally, because they still rely on gasoline to some extent, they’re not as eco-friendly as electric cars.

What are the drawbacks of driving an electric car?

The main downside of driving an electric car is range anxiety – the fear that you’ll run out of juice before you reach your destination. While the range of electric cars has been steadily improving, they still can’t travel as far on a single charge as gas-powered cars can on a full tank. Additionally, recharging times can be longer than a quick gas station visit.