Hybrid or Electric: What's the Difference

Have you been thinking about going green? If so, then a hybrid or electric car might be the right choice for you.

In the last few years, hybrid and electric cars have been on a significant rise in popularity. In fact, many people are now choosing these types of cars over gas-powered vehicles. 

Both have their own benefits which make them an attractive choice for consumers. However, the biggest question is which option is better? 

In this blog post, we will discuss what each type of car offers and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

What is an electric car?

Electric cars run entirely on electricity. Battery packs store the energy which is then used to power an electric motor, powering the car’s wheels and moving it forward. Electric cars are charged from a standard power outlet in your garage or outside of your home with a charging station.

What are the benefits of an electric car?

The most common benefits of an electric car are the savings. Since they run on electricity, rather than gasoline or diesel fuel, electric car owners typically save a ton of cash at the pump. 

Electric cars are also great for reducing your carbon footprint and helping to conserve natural resources since they don’t rely on fossil fuels as gas vehicles do.

What are some drawbacks of an electric car?

While electric cars are an excellent green driving choice, they do have some drawbacks associated with them.

Electric cars are typically more expensive than gas-powered vehicles because of their greater range and power. While the price of owning an electric car is usually offset by the reduced cost of fuelling it, there is a steeper upfront buying cost. 

Charging an electric car takes longer than filling a tank with gasoline, which can be problematic if you’re running on fumes and your EV is out of juice. 

While electric charging stations are more common, they just aren’t as ubiquitous as gas stations, especially in more rural areas. 

What is a hybrid car?

Hybrid vehicles have both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and one or more electric motors powered by batteries, making them more fuel-efficient than traditional ICE-powered options like gasoline engines. 

The most common type of hybrid vehicle has two sources of propulsion: one for short trips where speed isn’t as important and another that provides full acceleration when needed such as during passing maneuvers on highways.

What are the benefits of a hybrid car?

The most common benefits associated with a hybrid car include using less fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help the environment, and having lower costs, or at least being able to offset their higher price with better efficiency and savings on gasoline over time. 

What are some drawbacks of a hybrid car?

Some possible downsides to owning a hybrid car include:

A slightly elevated risk of running out of battery power while driving because they have smaller battery packs than pure electric vehicles (PEVs). 

This is more likely in colder climates where batteries struggle to maintain full charge due to decreased solar heating during the winter months. 

Hybrid vehicles can be more expensive than comparable cars with traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). 

Which is better a hybrid or an electric car?

One of the most common questions people have about electric cars is whether they are better than hybrids. 

The answer to this question depends on what you mean by “better.” 

If you want a car that gets good gas mileage, then an electric vehicle will likely be better for your needs. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that has more power and torque in order to pull large loads or tackle hills, then a hybrid might be right for you.

At the end of the day, which kind of car suits your needs better will depend on your specific situation, but at least now you know the difference between a hybrid and an electric and what their individual pros and cons are.

Learn to Drive in Nevada Today!

The Northwest Driving School and Traffic School provides the Las Vegas community with live driving and traffic classes taught by seasoned instructors. 

All of our driving instructors have passed background checks. 

Each automobile is DMV safety-approved, and every member of the Northwest family is committed to providing excellent driver’s education and behind-the-wheel instruction.

At Northwest, you can expect to find outstanding classes, both on campus and behind the wheel, that are engaging, fact-filled, entertaining, and geared toward success. 

We make no bones about it, we believe that Northwest provides the best driving lessons in Las Vegas, no matter your age or background. We are proud of the fact that 98% of our students pass their test on the first try. Call us at (702) 403-1592 to start your driving adventure with one of our expert instructors.

Written by:
Rich Heinrich
Master Instructor / General Manager