Electric Vs. Hybrid Vehicles

Electric vs. Hybrid Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

Car shoppers today have more options than ever. Not only can they choose between body types like SUVs or trucks, but they can also tailor the powertrain of their vehicle to their lifestyle, driving habits, and environmental goals. The most popular alternatives to gas-powered vehicles are electric and hybrid models. Both vehicle types have areas where they excel, and deciding which powertrain option suits your lifestyle depends on five main factors. Let’s explore them.

5 Factors to Consider Between Electric and Hybrid Models

Electric vehicles have many advantages over hybrid models when it comes to their source of power. While hybrid models can generate some power from regenerative braking, they still use petrol as their primary source of power. Electric vehicles are completely gas-free, so instead of visiting a gas pump, they are plugged into the grid to recharge. How does this affect you? This can affect you in three ways.

1. Energy Cost: The cost of electricity and gas can fluctuate, but in general, electricity is less than half the cost of gasoline. According to a study completed at the University of Michigan in 2018, the annual cost of refueling a gas-powered vehicle is $1,117, while charging an EV is $485.
2. Energy Availability: Before you make your decision, evaluate the availability of charging locations you’ll have access to, including whether or not you will install a home charging station. Currently (September 2024), PlugShare reports that Sarasota, Bradenton, and North Port have a combined total of more than 300 EV charging stations.
3. Refueling Time: Recharging an EV takes longer than refueling a hybrid vehicle, taking anywhere from 10 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the size of the battery, how depleted it is, and the charging method you use. However, if you opt to install an in-home charging station, recharging can be completed overnight without taking any time out of your day, whereas refueling will always require visiting a gas station.
4. Environmental Impact: Hybrid vehicles are a great middle-ground for drivers who want to decrease their carbon footprint but are unable – for whatever reason – to drive an all-electric vehicle. However, as far as eco-friendliness goes, EVs are a far superior option, eliminating tail-pipe emissions and reducing your carbon footprint by up to 20%.
5. Cost of Ownership: Although the initial price of an electric vehicle is generally higher than comparable hybrid vehicles, the overall cost of ownership is much lower. This is because EV drivers can save anywhere from $500 to $800 on fuel. Electric vehicles also have fewer maintenance needs than hybrid vehicles, which translates to even more savings.

Find an Electric Vehicle at Gettel Nissan

If you’ve decided it’s time for you to go green, visit the team at Gettel Nissan and explore our selection of electric models. For the 2024 model year, the Nissan lineup includes two electric options – the Nissan Ariya and the Nissan Leaf. The Ariya is a two-row, all-electric SUV that has an estimated range of up to 304 miles. The Nissan Leaf is an electric hatchback with an estimated range of up to 212 miles. Visit Gettel Nissan in Sarasota, FL, to explore these models and decide which one is right for you.