What is the Difference Between a Hybrid and Electric Car?

Car buyers looking for a new car with the best gas mileage might be eschewing standard fuel-injected engines for a more energy-efficient vehicle. What car is going to get the best gas mileage?

Buyers may find that hybrid and electric options seem to be the most environmentally friendly options on the market. But what is the difference between a hybrid and electric car? Which vehicle will be the best option for buyers who are embracing a clean and green way of life?

Here’s what buyers need to know about the differences between a hybrid and an electric car when deciding between the two options.

All about Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles are unique in that they combine the energy efficiency of electricity with a standard fuel injected engine. How does this work exactly?

Hybrid vehicles contain a standard car battery, a fuel-injected engine plus an electric battery that needs to be recharged. These cars operate by alternating between standard fuel and electricity. Some hybrid models can be switched to electric mode, which allows them to run only on an electrical charge.

As these models use both standard fuel and electricity, they boast better energy efficiency. Standard vehicles measure energy efficiency based on miles per gallon (MPG), while electric vehicles measure efficiency by both range (how far a car drives per full charge) and miles per gallon equivalent (noted as MPGe).

Hybrid vehicles, like their standard fuel gulping counterparts, also measure efficiency in MPG. Unlike the standard vehicle, though, the MPG is much higher for hybrids because they can alternate between operating on fuel and electricity.

While a highly fuel efficient standard vehicle can drive up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway (the Mitsubishi Mirage), hybrids can get this type of mileage when just driving in the city. It isn’t uncommon for a hybrid to boast more than 50 miles per gallon on the highway; in fact, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid boasts 60 miles per gallon on the highway!

Hybrids can be found at different price points, and many are even cheaper on the used market!

All about Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles use a rechargeable electric battery as their power source. These models do not use any traditional fuel. They are the cleanest option for the environment and the most energy efficiency for drivers who want to maximize the cost of the drive.

As electric vehicles don’t operate on standard fuel, their energy efficiency cannot be measured in miles per gallon. Instead, manufacturers will note the miles per gallon equivalent (or MPGe). Electric vehicles also will include their range; this is how far the vehicle can drive on a full charge.

Compared to hybrid vehicles or the standard vehicle, electric vehicles are extremely energy efficient. Many electric vehicles can boast more than 100 MPGe. Consumers can compare models and their efficiency via the site FuelEconomy.gov. The site lists the MPGe of the newest electric vehicles, or buyers can compare a range of different electric models (new and older models).  

The site also lists the fuel cost of each electric vehicle. While these vehicles don’t actually consume fuel, this provides consumers with an estimate of what these vehicles would cost in standard terms. For example, a 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a yearly fuel cost of $500.

How does this figure stack up to the standard models that use fuel as their source of energy? Some drivers could easily spend $50 per week to gas up their car for daily use. This means a monthly cost of $200, and a yearly cost of $2,400! Of course, the cost of gas depends on the location, plus the fuel efficiency of the vehicle; so this figure could vary.

What’s the Difference Between these Two Vehicles?

What’s the difference between the hybrid and the electric vehicle? The energy source! The hybrid uses both standard fuel and electricity, while the electric vehicle only uses electricity to operate.

This difference between energy sources also means a difference in the efficiency of the vehicle. Although hybrids outperform standard vehicles in fuel efficiency, they are less energy efficient than electric vehicles.

However, hybrids can be more economical in price than fully electric vehicles. Yet, there are some budget-friendly electric vehicle models on the market.

Should Buyers Choose Electric or a Hybrid?

The choice between electric or hybrid vehicles is really based on the needs, preferences and finances of the buyer. Some buyers may prefer a hybrid vehicle, as they are the ideal mix of a standard and electric vehicle. The hybrid vehicle also could be a more economical option.

However, buyers who demand the cleanest, greenest and most energy efficient vehicle would likely opt for an electrical vehicle. These models often top out at more than 100 MPGe. For those who have long commutes, electric vehicles may be cheaper than standard vehicles for their daily needs. An electric vehicle will save a LOT of money using a plug instead of a pump!

Buyers who aren’t sure what to choose can look at their options and find the model that’s best for their needs. Hybrids could be a great choice, but if they want a green-friendly option, they could choose the electric vehicle.

Finding the Best Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

Carzing helps buyers find their best options for hybrid or electric vehicles. Carzing lets buyers search by price, make/model, body type or even just using keywords.

Search for just hybrids or maybe specifically search for electric. Carzing will pull up all the nearby options! However, buyers can further streamline their search by also selecting from other criteria. Choose a specific color, drivetrain, and more.

In addition, buyers also can sort their results by price, distance, mileage, year or even best option. Some buyers might want to see the least expensive options first, if the budget is tight. Others might want a vehicle with lower miles.

Once a buyer has found that perfect hybrid or electric vehicle, they also can use Carzing to get prequalified for financing. Buyers can add in a trade-in to apply it to their financing data, too!

Carzing lets buyers find the best financing according to loan terms or even monthly payment amounts. Find the financing that works best for the budget! Some buyers want to pay off their vehicle as soon as possible, and they opt for shorter loan terms. Carzing allows buyers to zero in on the best options!

Buyers also can better understand their down payment obligations for each financing option, too. Carzing makes it easy for buyers to understand what they need as an expected down payment for their preferred financing option. There is no mystery or any financial surprises!

With Carzing, buyers can do all the legwork at home and at their convenience. This means that the trip to the dealership is much less stressful, and buyers can just focus on the important business. Take the car for a test drive, fill out the credit application, and complete the deal!

When buyers are stuck about the hybrid vs. electric buying debacle, they can use Carzing to research the availability of models for both of these vehicle types. Then they can narrow down their choices to find the best car for their needs.