Electric Vehicle vs. Hybrid: Which One Should You Choose?

The era of internal combustion engine vehicles is slowly coming to an end. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles are conquering the market and helping fight climate change. Still, you may feel overwhelmed with the sheer number of new models available today and need help deciding. Purchasing an EV has its pros, but so does purchasing a hybrid. Let’s compare electric vehicle vs hybrid in more detail. 

Hybrid Vehicles 

Hybrids have been around for a while, and they are here to stay. They offer the perfect balance between the eco-driving features of electric cars and the autonomy of electric vehicles. They are reliable and can use engine braking and energy recovery to recharge the batteries when needed. In most cases, they will run using electric motors only, at least during a city ride. 

Balancing Between Electricity and Fuel Use

Their ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) kicks in when the battery needs topping off or when you are outside of the city and are cruising at higher speeds. Some hybrid models are plug-in hybrids, meaning that they have a larger battery. This, in turn, means more kilometres driven with no petrol used. 

They are practical vehicles with a good balance of efficiency and convenience. The electric engine can be used in combination with the ICE engine for best performance. They are very energy and petrol efficient, with some models using as little as 1.1l/100km of city drive. 

Electric Vehicles

On the other hand, fully electric models offer bigger electric engines and pack more power than hybrid models. They are as green as they get and they can be conveniently charged at ome. There is no more affordable way to travel, as the electricity that they run on can come from your roof solar panels. 

Key differences between an EV and a hybrid: 

• EVs:
  • Powered solely by electric motors, 
  • No emissions,
  • Require home charging, 
  • Lower range (autonomy), 
  • Have higher upfront costs.

• Hybrids:
  • Combine electric motors and an ICE, 
  • Lower emissions, 
  • No home charging needed, 
  • Higher range (autonomy), 
  • Lower upfront costs, but higher per-km cost. 

Environmental Considerations 

This way, you are positive that your CO2-footprint is as low as it gets. Since EVs took time to gain mainstream adoption, manufacturers put extra effort into making them as eye-catching as possible. In addition to this, their performance is as high as that of ICE models or even exceeds them. 

This is partly because EVs don’t need a radiator or front-mounted cooling system, which hybrids require to keep their internal combustion engines (ICEs) from overheating. . This part is commonly present in hybrid models, as their ICEs need to be cooled during the drive. Still, it goes without saying that the EV models we see today are very reliable vehicles, with ever increasing mileage and autonomy. 

	Fully Electric	Hybrid (Plug-in Models)
Electric Range – Estimated	450 km	75 km
Total Range – Estimated	450 km	800-900 km
Price	Higher	Lower
Ease of Refill	More Difficult	Less Difficult
Price per Kilometer Driven	Lower	Higher (depending on the terrain and the distance to be covered)

Charging Hybrids vs. Electric Vehicles

On the other hand, nstalling a charger is not feasible for many, especially those living in residential buildings.Charging your car can get costly, no matter how cheap the electricity gets. Waiting for 30 minutes for your vehicle to reach a 400-km battery level is a headache for many, especially when they are switching from an old technology where a 5-minute visit to the petrol station could easily provide them with a range of at least 800 km. Still, EVs are gaining in popularity and they are likely to continue doing so. 

Factors to consider before purchasing an EV or a hybrid: 

• Daily driving needs, commute distance and how often you go on long-distance trips, 
• Charging options and refueling options, 
• Budget and possible local or national incentives. 

The Future of ICEs

However, it is important to note that the internal combustion engine is here to stay, at least for another decade to two. For this reason, a lot of people still purchase their hybrid models. They allow you to drive both in Australia and outside, and the plug-in models really let you experience the best of both worlds. 

Electric Vehicle vs. Hybrid: Final Considerations

For this reason, a plug-in hybrid may be the best option. If you have a longer commute, a full EV is the best for you. Contact Volteam today to find out about our EV chargers and solar system solutions tailored to your vehicle and home and energy needs.