The Pros and Cons: Hybrid v Electric Cars

If you are planning on making the move away from traditional petrol or diesel vehicles - perhaps to be more environmentally conscious - then this article might help you to choose between a hybrid or an electric car.

There are several pros and cons to owning both a hybrid and an electric car. We’ve listed them all to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.

 

Hybrid Pros and Cons

There are several pros and cons to owning a hybrid vehicle.

 

Hybrid - Pros

Reduced ‘Range Anxiety’

A hybrid car uses a traditional petrol or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE), as well as an electric motor. This can make them a reliable option, as there is more than one power source supporting your vehicle.

As such, hybrid vehicles have a greater range than electric vehicles, thanks to the two sources of fuel used to power them.

 

Ideal For Short Journeys

A hybrid vehicle could be the perfect choice for someone living in a city, as the car will know when to switch between fuel types.

A hybrid car will also know when to switch off the engine to save burning fuel unnecessarily. This can save you money as there will be less need for frequent fuel stops.

 

Regenerative Braking

The electric battery in a hybrid vehicle can charge via a process known as ‘regenerative braking’. This is when energy produced as the brake pedal is pushed down is used to charge the battery, allowing the vehicle to switch between electric and petrol power. This improves fuel economy.

 

Hybrid - Cons

High Upfront Cost

Hybrid vehicles can be less expensive to buy than electric cars, depending on the make or model in question.

Whilst this could be seen as a positive, the upfront costs can still be quite steep.

 

Running Costs

Though the upfront cost of an electric vehicle can be higher, owning a hybrid car means money spent on fuel, particularly if you are planning on taking your car out for longer journeys, or on the motorway.

 

Fossil Fuels

Whilst hybrid vehicles are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ICE vehicles, the production of hybrid cars still uses up a significant amount of energy.

Not to mention the fact that hybrid vehicles use fossil fuels to generate the electricity needed to power them.

 

More Working Parts

Compared to an electric vehicle, a hybrid car has significantly more working mechanical parts. With more parts comes the increased possibility that something could go wrong - which could mean an expensive repair if so.

Hybrid vehicles are fitted with combustion engines, lubricants, ancillary parts, and filters - all of which can increase servicing costs.

 

Additional Charges

Unlike electric vehicles, some hybrid drivers will have to pay Clean Air Zone charges, whilst all hybrid drivers have to pay a Congestion Charge in London.

Likewise, you will need to pay road tax - which electric vehicles are entirely exempt from.

 

New Hybrid Vehicles Ban

What’s more, a ban on the sale of new hybrid vehicles is set to come into effect in 2035. The government is set to reevaluate which hybrid vehicles will remain on sale as early as 2030. However, you will still be able to buy and sell used hybrid vehicles after 2035.

This is something to take into consideration before you commit to purchasing a new hybrid vehicle, as this ban could change how we think about hybrid vehicles in future.

 

Not Designed for Longer Journeys

If you are planning on making repeated, lengthy journeys in your car, then a hybrid may not be the right choice for you. With a lower battery range than most electric vehicles, you can wear out the battery on a hybrid during long drives. You will notice a drop in performance and could burn through more fuel - meaning more money as a result.

Think of the battery in a hybrid car as being there to assist the combustion engine, to encourage fuel efficiency.

 

Heavy Batteries

The heavy batteries in hybrids - especially plug-in hybrids - can reduce the fuel economy of the vehicle when travelling at speed.

As such, hybrid batteries will need to be charged more often than electric vehicle batteries.

 

Electric Car Pros and Cons

Where the hybrid lacks, the electric car can make up for - but not without a few cons of its own. 

 

Electric Car - Pros

Environmentally Friendly

Electric vehicles do not use any fuel, and so do not produce any exhaust emissions, which makes them much better for the environment.

As hybrid cars have an internal combustion engine, they still produce toxic emissions, even if they are smaller quantities.

 

Cheaper Servicing Costs

Electric vehicles may require specialist attention when it comes to repairs, but they do not have the same complex combination of parts that make up a hybrid vehicle.

With fewer moving parts to worry about, it can be cheaper to maintain an electric vehicle.

 

Enjoyable to Drive

Electric vehicles are also far quieter, and their batteries can deliver power to the wheels immediately which makes for an enjoyable driving experience. Acceleration is efficient, and maximum power can be easily achieved.

 

Clean Air Zone Charges

Another bonus of owning an electric vehicle is that they are exempt from Clean Air Zone charges. Not to mention the fact that electric vehicles are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge - the same can’t be said for hybrid vehicles.

 

Electric Car - Cons

Higher Upfront Cost

Electric vehicles have a higher upfront cost than hybrid vehicles. This can be attributed to the fact that electric vehicles are still being produced in small numbers, are built with expert technology, and are made of specialist parts.

This can be understandably off-putting for some drivers, particularly during the current cost of living crisis. With charging points being less easily accessible than petrol stations, electric vehicles aren’t the perfect choice for every driver.

 

Charging

Without an at-home charging point installed, you may struggle to find a charging point in your area. If you can’t have one fitted, then you may be reliant on how convenient and local the public charging points near you are.

 

Higher Insurance Costs

Due to the specialist parts and maintenance required, electric vehicles can be more expensive to insure than hybrid vehicles - and premiums can be higher for younger drivers.

Components such as the lithium-ion batteries can be expensive to repair, which is a factor in the calculation of these insurance premiums.

 

Hybrid vs Electric - Which is Better?

Both hybrid and electric vehicles offer a range of benefits to drivers. Whether you want the comfort of knowing there are two power sources supporting your vehicle or to drive in the knowledge that your car is as environmentally friendly as can be, these vehicles can give you some peace of mind.

Hybrids and electric vehicles naturally have their downsides too, so it is worth researching the topic thoroughly before you commit to buying your next car.

 

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