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If you’re shopping for your next vehicle and you’ve narrowed your options down to an electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle, there are several things you should consider before making your final decision. Both vehicle types have a ton of benefits, including energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. However, there are some areas where one vehicle is more advantageous than the other. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between electric and hybrid vehicles to help you decide which fits your lifestyle.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are powertrain options that determine what type of energy powers your vehicle. BEVs are powered exclusively by electricity, while HEVs are a combination of both.
BEVs consist of one or more battery packs and one or more electric engines attached to the front axle, rear axle, or both. They are plugged into a home or public charging outlet to recharge.
HEVs have a traditional gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a much smaller battery pack. Unlike BEVs, they do not plug in to charge. Instead, they use regenerative braking to refresh their battery.
Now that you understand how each works, let’s analyze how they stack up in critical areas of transportation needs.
The biggest difference between HEVs and BEVs is where they get their fuel. HEVs still use gasoline and don’t need charging stations to top up their battery. They rely on the network of gas stations already in place. BEVs rely on public charging stations or charging stations installed in your home. The infrastructure for electric charging stations has grown exponentially, but charging stations still aren’t as available as gas stations. Research the number of charging stations in your area and the cost of installing a home charging station to help you decide how the infrastructure will affect you.
Winner: Hybrid Vehicles
The average driving range of an HEV with a full tank of gas is about 400 miles while the range of an all-electric vehicle is roughly 300 miles. The differences in range are unlikely to inhibit daily driving such as going to the grocery store or commuting to work and school. However, it will affect how often you need to refuel. This is especially important when taking long trips. You may have to plan to ensure that you can stop in an area that has DC fast charging.
Winner: Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles often have better fuel economy than vehicles powered by gas alone, but in this category, electric vehicles win hands down. The average cost of electricity is less than half the amount of the gas equivalent, and EV drivers can save as much as $1,000 on energy costs every year.
Winner: Electric Vehicles
If you’re concerned about how your driving habits affect the environment, consider an electric vehicle like the Honda Prologue. While hybrid models such as the CR-V hybrid can significantly cut down on carbon tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles eliminate them.
Winner: Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles typically have a higher starting MSRP than comparable hybrid models. However, additional tech and safety features and the overall cost of ownership may make up the difference over time. As electric vehicles become more popular, they’re also likely to retain their value longer, allowing EV owners to recoup more of their investment when they sell or trade in their vehicles.
Winner: Tie
Hybrid vehicles still have a gasoline engine, which requires routine maintenance tasks like oil and filter changes. EVs have fewer moving parts and thus require less maintenance, which can help lower the overall cost of ownership.
Winner: Electric Vehicles
Which vehicle type is Right for you is ultimately dependent on which of the factors above are most important to you. Honda has a full lineup of electrified vehicles that include both powertrains. Visit us at Ascension Honda in Gonzales, LA, to explore our inventory of hybrid and electric vehicles.
