If you’re ready to save money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint, hybrid and electric vehicles are a great way to do that. However, which powertrain option is best for you will depend on several factors.
Here are answers to five common questions about the differences between hybrid and electric vehicles that can help you decide.
Short Answer: Electric Vehicles
Long Answer: Hybrid models like the Santa Fe Hybrid or the Elantra Hybrid, have a gas-powered engine and an electric motor that is recharged with regenerative braking. They don’t plug into the grid to recharge and their primary source of energy is gasoline. Electric vehicles such as the KONA Electric on the other hand are solely powered by electricity which generally cost 50 -60% less than petrol products depending on where you are and whether you are using a residential or commercial outlet. So, in a single year, EV drivers can save up to $1,000 or more on energy costs.
Short Answer: Short-term – hybrid vehicles. Long-term – electric vehicles.
Long Answer: Hybrid vehicles generally have a more affordable starting MSRP than comparable electric vehicles, which means they’ll also cost less to insure. However, EV drivers can save as much anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 in fuel and maintenance costs for a single year and will likely break even after three years of ownership. Every year afterward an EV will officially be cheaper to own than a hybrid model. According to Car and Driver, when you account for depreciation and tax credits, you’ll start to reap the financial benefits of driving an EV by the third year of ownership.
Short Answer: Electric Vehicles.
Long Answers: If eco-friendliness is important to you, a hybrid model will help you reduce your carbon footprint, but not nearly as much as an EV model. Greenhouse gasses produced by driving account for 16 -20% of most American’s carbon footprint. EV models produce zero tailpipe emissions. This means just by switching from a gas model to an electric model you can cut a fifth of your carbon footprint.
Which powertrain is right for you depends on your driving habits, financing goals, and lifestyle. For most drivers, an electric vehicle is a great option, but if you live in an area that lacks the infrastructure for charging an EV, a hybrid model may be a better fit. If you’re ready to find a model that matches your needs, visit the Gettel Hyundai of Lakewood dealership to find a hybrid or electric Hyundai vehicle.
