Hybrid. Electric. Plug-in hybrid. These different models all provide a wealth of possible pros and cons. Unfortunately, though, there’s no immediate way to ascertain which will suit you best. Following this thought, determining the features and benefits of each is critical; today’s guide should help with that. So, with no further ado, let’s look into what each is and how they differ. This should help inform your choice, going forward.
Regardless of the type you choose, though, ensuring your car is safe is critical. Fortunately, a car check reveals the vehicle’s history and determines if it is genuine before buying it second-hand. This simple, two-minute check should give you much greater insight into the history of a car as a result.
Comparing Hybrid, Electric, and Plug-in Hybrid Cars
Hybrid, hybrid-electric, and plug-in hybrid cars. These can seem somewhat interchangeable initially. In reality, though, they’re very different models – and it’s important to first consider the main differences between these. While the three types are similar, there are significant differences between them.
- Hybrid: One of the most common types of EVs for people who are new to the electric scene is a hybrid car. Functionally, hybrids are very similar to regular cars; however, they generally have an electric motor that helps boost efficiency.
- Plug-in Hybrid: Going one step further than a regular hybrid, plug-in hybrids generally have a larger battery than regular hybrid cars. This helps provide a greater EV-only range than regular hybrids, although with the benefit of still having a regular combustion engine.
- Electric: Fully electric may be the way to go for those who want to cut their reliance on petrol. Full electric vehicles do not have any form of combustion engine. This means they run exclusively on electricity, which can offer benefits in itself.
Deciding Which Option (Electric, Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid) Might be Right For You
Now that we’ve considered the features of each vehicle type, you’re probably wondering: which works best for me? Naturally, everyone’s needs will differ. So, making this choice isn’t necessarily a two-minute thing.
If you are perfectly happy with running a traditional petrol vehicle but want to improve efficiency, a regular hybrid might be right for you. Hybrids are largely the same as combustion cars; however, using a large battery can help boost the system’s efficiency significantly.
Alternatively, if you want to try out electric but aren’t quite convinced yet, plug-in hybrids may be perfect. These generally offer an electric-only range of around 50 miles, which is perfectly suitable for most short journeys; however, you’ll still be able to use petrol for longer trips.
Finally, EVs are generally best for those wanting to reduce their reliance on petrol completely. A pure electric needs much more planning in terms of charging times, etc. However, it should be noted that they are often far cheaper to run due to the lower cost of electricity. In addition, pure electric cars are becoming much more widespread and boast impressive driving ranges these days. So, even long-haul journeys should still be doable.
Final Thoughts
If you have been looking to upgrade to a new car, electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid may be an option. Of course, it’s not always easy to decide which of these will best suit your needs; as such, considering the points in today’s guide might help. Luckily, we’ve outlined some of the main things you should know today, which may help inform your decision.