Autos

Hybrid or Electric? Which One Should You Go For?

Contemplating hybrid or electric technology in your next car? Which is more efficient and which a good long-term investment? Which one is more affordable, and which is more durable? Here we go over pros and cons of each to help you decide. But before we cover the benefits and drawbacks of electric and hybrid cars, it’s important to understand the difference between the two types.
A hybrid uses an electric motor and batteries, in addition to some other form of energy… commonly a petrol/diesel or gasoline internal combustion engine.
Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are fully electric, meaning they don’t use any gasoline. They instead use rechargeable batteries.

Let’s go through the pros and cons

Hybrid

Pros:

• Range: Hybrids use gasoline engines in addition to their electric powertrains. The result is that drivers get the best of both worlds: electric-vehicle efficiency around town, and traditional car range for longer trips.
• They’re cheaper to buy than electric car.
• It is more reliable since your car is running on two energy sources providing more reliability and flexibility.

Cons:

• More maintenance than an electric car. Since hybrids have gasoline engines, they are going to require the same maintenance as a gasoline car would.
• The biggest drawback endured by hybrids is variety. There simply aren’t many models to choose from, as most automakers have instead chosen to offer fully electric vehicles instead.
• Hybrid vehicle emissions are significantly less than those of a conventional car but still more than an electric car.

Electric

Pros:

• Over time electric cars generally require less maintenance. New tires and tire rotation will likely be the only cost you’ll face.
• The main attraction is that electric vehicles help the environment more than hybrids since they don’t use any fuel at all.

Cons:

• You may have to replace a battery which could be an expensive affair.
• While a hybrid can usually travel 30 or 40 miles on fully electric power and an extra 200 to 300 miles on gasoline, most electric cars are limited to 60-70 miles of total range.
• They cost higher than a conventional or a hybrid car. Most electric cars are going to run between $30,000 and $40,000, which is equal to the cost of a luxury car or a higher-end hybrid vehicle.
• Some popular models take around two hours to recharge 100% and you have access to the very limited numbers of quick-charging stations strung around the country. You can’t just make a pit stop at a local gas station and refuel anywhere, making road trips tricky.
• Ultimately, making the choice between buying an electric or a hybrid comes down to use and preference. If you have a long commute and want the flexibility of a gasoline car, while being green, a hybrid is a good choice for you. If you have a shorter commute and you want to make a eco-friendlier choice then electric might be a better choice. Do your research well and explore all your options before you make a final decision.