Should I buy a hybrid or electric car?
Peter Sitkowski | 16th Oct 2023 | 5 minutes to read
With rising petrol prices and the need for environmental awareness in the face of the global warming crisis, the choice between hybrid cars and electric cars has become a pivotal decision for consumers.
Both options offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petrol vehicles, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. This guide explores the factors that should influence an individual's decision when choosing between a hybrid car and an electric car and the various positives and negatives of each type of vehicle.
Here are some of the topics we break down below:
Understanding Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars, often referred to as "hybrids," are a popular choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the flexibility of a petrol engine. These vehicles blend a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery.
Hybrids come equipped with a petrol engine, specifically designed for fuel efficiency, which complements the electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery pack and works in tandem with the petrol engine to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
On top of this, Hybrids employ regenerative braking systems to capture and store energy during deceleration, which is then used to power the electric motor.
This diagram shows the major components of a hybrid vehicle.
Determining When to Choose a Hybrid Car
There are a number of important factors to consider when deciding on whether to purchase a hybrid vehicle, and with the extra cost of a hybrid over a petrol car, it’s not one you should make lightly.
Commuting Patterns
For individuals who primarily commute within urban or suburban areas, where shorter trips are common, a hybrid car can offer significant fuel savings. The electric motor assists during stop-and-go traffic, optimizing fuel efficiency.
Additionally, frequent city driving provides ample opportunities for regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
Budget
Hybrid cars often have a more affordable upfront cost compared to electric cars, making them a financially viable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without breaking the bank.
Lower fuel consumption and potential tax incentives can further offset the initial investment.
Limited Charging Infrastructure
In regions with limited access to charging stations, such as some rural areas or less populated regions of Australia, hybrid cars provide a practical solution to those who want to be environmentally conscious.
Unlike with electric and PHEV vehicles, hybrid owners are not reliant on charging infrastructure, as they can refuel at any petrol station.
Understanding Electric Cars
Electric cars, often known as "electric vehicles" or "EVs," are powered solely by electricity stored in high-capacity batteries. They are designed to provide a clean, emissions-free driving experience.
Electric cars feature large battery packs that store electricity to power the vehicle. The capacity of these batteries varies among models, affecting the car's range, which is one of the major considerations when purchasing an electric vehicle.
This diagram shows the major components of an electric vehicle.
One of the benefits of an electric car is that because an electric motor drives the wheels, there is instant torque and much smoother acceleration than with standard cars.
Note that unlike hybrids, electric cars require access to charging stations, which, although becoming more prevalent in Australian cities and urban areas, are still difficult to find in more rural parts of the country.
Determining When to Choose an Electric Car
It might seem like an electric car is the best possible choice for the environmentally conscious driver, but, while there are a lot of positives to a fully electric vehicle, there are some drawbacks that EVs have compared to hybrid cars that can make the decision less cut and dry.
Daily Driving Habits
Electric cars are ideal for individuals with consistent, moderate daily driving distances, especially if they have a reliable and convenient charging infrastructure in place.
Those who can charge their electric cars overnight at home or at work benefit from the convenience of a fully charged vehicle each day.
Environmental Commitment
Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them the preferred choice for those deeply committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Because a hybrid still requires a petrol engine, electric cars will consistently produce fewer emissions.
In regions where clean energy sources, such as wind or solar power, generate electricity, electric cars offer an even greener option.
Government Incentives
In Australia, various state and federal government incentives may be available to electric car buyers, including rebates and reduced registration fees. NSW has offered $3,000 rebates for electric and fuel-celled vehicles priced up to $68,750, as well as stamp duty exemptions for certain EVs up to $78,000. NZ also offers rebates for zero-emission vehicles to help them reach their goal of becoming carbon neutral.
These incentives can significantly offset the higher upfront cost of electric cars that can make them initially off-putting compared to hybrids.
Charging Accessibility
Consumers residing in urban areas with ample charging infrastructure, such as Sydney or Melbourne, may find electric cars a convenient and practical choice.
Regular access to charging stations reduces range anxiety and provides peace of mind for longer trips.
The Decision-Making Process
Choosing between a hybrid car and an electric car is a nuanced decision that depends on individual circumstances. Here are some additional factors to consider when making this choice:
Range Requirements
Consider the typical distance of your daily commutes and whether the range of an electric car meets your needs.
Hybrid cars have the advantage of not being range-limited by battery capacity.
Charging Infrastructure Expansion
Evaluate the growth of charging infrastructure in your area. Access to charging stations can vary significantly between regions.
Keep in mind that as charging infrastructure expands, electric cars may become a more practical choice over time.
Maintenance Costs
Electric cars generally have lower maintenance costs compared to hybrid cars, as they have fewer moving parts. While you don’t need to contend with things like spark plugs and oil changes with an EV, you will still need to contend with servicing fees, which often end up around the same cost as a standard service anyway.
Lifestyle and Driving Habits
Take into account your lifestyle, including the types of trips you commonly make and whether you have access to charging facilities at home or work.
The range of a hybrid vehicle is overall going to be better than an electric-battery car.
Consider the convenience of not having to visit petrol stations with an electric car.
Is a Fully Electric Car or Hybrid Better?
The decision between a hybrid car and an electric car hinges on several critical factors, including daily driving habits, budget, battery charging infrastructure, environmental commitment, and government incentives.
Hybrid cars offer a practical and cost-effective solution for many consumers, particularly those with urban commutes and limited access to charging stations. On the other hand, electric cars provide an emissions-free driving experience, though at a heftier cost, making them the preferred choice for environmentally conscious individuals with access to charging infrastructure and a slightly larger budget.
Ultimately, the choice between a hybrid car and an electric car should align with an individual's unique circumstances and values, and it’s a decision that requires careful research to determine which will work the best for you.
