Hybrid Vs. Electric Cars: Which is Better?

Hybrid and electric vehicles are all the rage these days. No surprise there, as the federal government has stated that by 2035, all new passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in Canada will need to be electric zero-emission vehicles. So, if you're planning to invest in a car, you might as well go for a hybrid or electric vehicle rather than a gas-powered one. 

But now comes the biggest question: hybrid vs. electric cars, which one should you choose? 

In this blog, we'll focus on the differences between hybrid and electric vehicles and help you determine which type would be the right fit for you.

 

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

Hybrid vehicles combine the features of both electric vehicles and conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. These vehicles have a combustion engine that runs on gasoline and an electric motor that runs on battery power. Depending on the driving type, hybrid vehicles can use both engines simultaneously to increase power or rely on just one. 

It primarily runs on an electric motor, but the gasoline-powered engine kicks in when the battery is drained of power.

Recommended Reading: How Do Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Work

 

What is an Electric Vehicle?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by electricity, which means they don't use gasoline. Electric vehicles get their power from batteries, which feed an electric motor. Unlike hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles do not have a backup engine to take over when the batteries run out of power. The only option for an EV is to charge up.

 

Differences - Hybrid Vs. Electric Cars

1. Environmental impact 

While hybrids are greener than gasoline cars, they are less environmentally friendly than fully electric cars. Hybrid vehicles still emit gas and contribute to your carbon footprint due to their internal combustion engines. 

Electric cars have no tailpipe emissions and can be charged using greener energy sources like oil, natural gas, and solar power.

 

2. Range 

Hybrid vehicles can switch between energy sources, allowing the gasoline engine to take over if the battery power runs out during a long trip. 

An electric vehicle's range on a single charge depends on its battery size and capacity. It can range from about 90km with a 6.1kWh battery to over 600km with a 100kWh battery. EVs have a shorter travel range compared to hybrid vehicles.

 

3. Charging time 

Hybrid cars automatically recharge their batteries while driving through a process called "regenerative braking." However, you can manually recharge the battery as well. The time it takes to recharge a hybrid battery depends on its size and voltage. 

The charging time for electric vehicles can range from several hours to even more than 20 hours, depending on the battery size and the charging station's power. Fast-charging stations can provide an 80% charge in about 20 minutes for some electric vehicles equipped with fast-charging capabilities.

 

4. Cost of maintenance

Hybrid cars have more moving parts than electric cars because they rely on internal combustion engines. This means hybrids require more maintenance and incur higher maintenance costs throughout their lifetime. Common maintenance issues faced by hybrids are similar to those experienced by cars with internal combustion engines, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and belt replacements.

On the other hand, electric vehicles avoid the maintenance costs associated with combustion engines. However, they still have other maintenance expenses like tire changes, insurance plans, and addressing structural damage that can occur. So, EVs have relatively minimal maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts, saving drivers money in the long run.

 

5. Price

Hybrid models are usually slightly more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making them affordable for the average consumer. 

Electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than hybrid vehicles, and additional expenses may be incurred for installing a home charger.

 

Tax Rebates - Hybrid Vs. Electric Cars

Purchasing a plug-in hybrid may qualify you for federal and state tax incentives, reducing the cost difference between hybrids and gasoline cars. Government incentives in the form of tax credits help offset the higher initial cost of electric vehicles.

The federal and state incentives make electric or hybrid vehicles more affordable by offsetting the higher upfront cost, thereby increasing accessibility to these vehicles. You can find out more about the incentives offered by the government for different car models here. You may get $2,500 to $5,000 in rebates depending on the model. 

 

Which is Better: Hybrid or Electric Vehicles? 

It depends on your usage. Electric vehicles are suitable for shorter trips, while hybrid cars are better for longer commutes or road trips. Both hybrid and electric vehicles have their own advantages and disadvantages. In order to make the best choice, you must consider factors such as cost, potential savings, the distances you'll be traveling, and your environmental impact.

If you're interested in buying a hybrid or electric car, you can quickly apply for financing through Approval Genie. At Approval Genie, we help Canadians to drive home their dream car by helping them secure an affordable car loan that fits their budget and lifestyle.