Choosing Between All-Electric or Hybrid
All-electric vehicles are the most environmentally friendly cars available. They also offer savings on gas and maintenance. Plug-in hybrids have great fuel economy and a longer overall range than fully electric vehicles.
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There are more options in the electric vehicle market in 2022 than ever before. As EVs become more of a mainstream option, big-name auto brands are launching their own electric vehicle models. This has led to a huge influx of new electric vehicles for consumers to get to know.
Before getting into specific models, you first need to decide which type of electric vehicle is right for you. All-electric and hybrid cars have both increased dramatically in popularity and availability. What are the key differences between them? And how do you decide which is right for you?
All-Electric vs. Hybrid Cars
All-electric cars are usually the first thing people think of when it comes to electric cars. These are fully electric cars with no carbon emissions and no gas tank. But hybrid cars can cause more confusion, especially because there are multiple types of hybrids.
What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid car is a car that runs on both gas and electric power. A standard hybrid uses a combustion engine in combination with a powerful electric battery to aid propulsion. While these cars still run on gasoline, they are extremely fuel efficient. The best hybrid cars can get up to 60 miles per gallon.
The second category of hybrid cars is the plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrids also have both a gas engine and an electric battery. However, plug-in hybrids can run on battery power alone for a moderate range. The electric range for a plug-in hybrid is less than that of an all-electric vehicle but is sufficient for most short commutes.
All-Electric Pros and Cons
Long-term savings and reduced carbon emissions are the major benefits of driving an all-electric vehicle. In addition to savings at the gas pump, all-electric models also have lower maintenance costs due to the simplified electric motor.
Many EV owners also enjoy the near-silent driving experience in an all-electric car.
One potential drawback of an all-electric car is the upfront cost, as they do cost more than their gas counterparts. However, the savings on maintenance and gas, plus federal and state tax incentives, often cover the difference.
Another concern is that all-electric vehicles are sometimes limited by the availability of charging stations. While this is not a problem in most cities, it can be a problem in rural and suburban areas.
Hybrid Pros and Cons
All-electric cars unquestionably beat hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars in terms of efficiency and fuel economy. However, hybrids are still a highly efficient and eco-friendly option compared to traditional gas-engine cars.
One of the main benefits of a hybrid car over an all-electric vehicle is that drivers are less dependent on electric charging. Both categories of hybrid cars still use gas, giving drivers easier access to refueling opportunities regardless of location. The combination of gas and electric powers also gives hybrids a greater overall range than most all-electric models. The price tag on most hybrids is also greater than gas engine cars, without as many built-in savings as all-electric models.
Additionally, some drivers complain that the transmission on certain hybrid models creates an unpleasant excessive revving effect. This creates a less smooth overall driving experience in some hybrids.
How to Choose
If your goal is to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible, an all-electric vehicle is your best choice. All-electric vehicles also provide the best opportunity for long-term savings.
However, if you would like to reduce carbon emissions without being fully reliant on electric power, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid car is the better option for you.
Ray Catena Auto Group has the expertise and courteous customer service you need to choose the right luxury electric vehicle – whether it’s fully electric or hybrid – for you. See all of our dealership locations or contact us today to learn more about LEVs.
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