If you’re shopping around for a new car, you may become overwhelmed with the choices that are available on the market today.
Although petrol and diesel cars are still the preferred choice among consumers in 2022, hybrid and electric cars are becoming more common especially with the ever-increasing cost of fuel prices and the government’s plan to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
Hybrid and electric cars may seem costly to begin with as the purchase price is quite high. However, switching can help you save money on running costs and taxes while also contributing to a greener environment.
If you’re still considering switching and want to know if hybrid cars are better than electric or vice versa, then we’ve got everything you need to know in this article.
- What is a Hybrid Car?
Hybrid vehicles use more than one means of propulsion. These vehicles rely on petrol or diesel as its primary means of propulsion but can also run on an electric motor or both. These cars are ideal for city driving when the driving range isn’t too far.
There are three types of hybrid cars - full hybrids, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular cars that are hybrid, followed by the Hyundai Tucson.
- What is an Electric Car?
Electric cars, also known as EV (electric vehicles), solely rely on a battery for propulsion so no petrol or diesel is needed to propel the vehicle. Unlike hybrids, there is no backup engine that kicks in when the battery runs out but luckily there are various charging points across the country to plug in to.
Elon Musk and Tesla kickstarted the popularity of these pure electric cars. Other sought after EVs include the BMW i4 and Renault Zoe. There are now also 337 public charge points spread across Northern Ireland due to the increase in demand.
Hybrid vs Electric Cars
The main difference between a hybrid and an electric car is the means of propulsion. As mentioned, a hybrid car uses both gas and an electric motor whereas electric cars only need electric power.
That being said, there are other factors that differentiate the two vehicles:
1. Environmental Impact
You may be wondering if hybrid cars are better for the environment compared to diesel or petrol engines or are electric cars the best option.
Although hybrid cars are more eco-friendly in comparison to traditional cars, they still count on petrol or diesel when the electric charge runs. If you’re looking for the most environmentally friendly vehicle, then fully electric cars create the least emissions since they are run entirely by means of electricity.
2. Running Costs
The second most common question consumers ask is “are hybrid cars cheaper to run or are electric cars cheaper to run?” Although there are higher purchasing costs associated with hybrid and electric vehicles compared with traditional ones, they have better fuel economy helping you save money on fuel costs.
Grants are available to help cover the initial cost of purchase, as well as road tax. If you're looking for the cheapest option, then electric cars are the way to go. Although hybrid vehicles use less gas compared to traditional cars, they still heavily rely on it to operate. On the other hand, EVs don’t need any gas to run and have the lowest cost to recharge.
3. Insurance
Some people wonder if the cost of car insurance is cheaper for an electric or hybrid car. There might be a misconception that because running costs are low, car insurance costs will also be lower.
Driving an electric or hybrid car carries just as much risk as a petrol or diesel alternative meaning the cost of your insurance premium will remain unaffected. The make and model are considered when purchasing insurance but driving an electric or hybrid will have no effect on the price you pay. For example, the cost of car insurance may be higher for an electric SUV or hybrid SUV compared with a hatchback due to the bigger engine size.
4. Driving Range
Electric cars have a longer driving range when compared to hybrids. On full charge, EVs can cover distances from 100 to 300 miles which is a round trip from Belfast to Dublin. Bear in mind that this distance depends on factors such as air conditioning and electronic system use, as well as driving style.
Hybrid cars are better suited to city driving as they have a shorter electric mode range. If you spend most of your time driving on motorways, then you should consider purchasing an electric car over the hybrid option.
5. Depreciation
Buying a new car is exciting but car depreciation is an important factor to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. Most new cars depreciate 10% the minute they’re driven away from the dealership and a further 15-35% within their first year. But did you know that eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles depreciate in value slower than those run by petrol and gas? An average EV can retain approximately 48.9% of its value after three years or 36,000 miles.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly and affordable option, an electric car is a perfect choice. However, if it’s city driving you’ll spend the majority of your time doing then it’s worth considering a hybrid model. Don’t forget that you’ll need insurance whatever you choose. Feel free to get in touch or get a car insurance quote today!
