Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

 
If you’re looking for better fuel efficiency or want to reduce your carbon footprint, you might plan to trade your gas-powered vehicle in for an electric or hybrid model. When you compare hybrid vs. electric cars, both have benefits that make them ideal for your Town 'N' Country lifestyle and driving needs. But which one is better suited to your budget and traveling? In the following guide, Lexus of Tampa Bay explores hybrids vs. electric vehicles to highlight what both can do to elevate your daily drives. Learn more below and contact our finance team for additional information.

Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles: The Basics

In the following sections, we’ll dive into the respective benefits of electric vehicles and hybrids. To do this, we must establish a base understanding of the core differences between hybrid cars vs. electric cars. 

Hybrid Cars

Technically, hybrid vehicles are still gas-powered, which is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric cars. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, however, hybrids aren’t fully reliant on the gas engine to generate power for forward motion. Accompanying the gas engine in hybrids is a secondary electric motor. The gas engine and electric motor work together to provide power as you drive through Brandon, allowing for significant improvements in gas mileage. The battery for the electric motor in hybrid vehicles self-charges, so you never have to plug into a power source. 

Electric Cars

An electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electric power. There is no engine, only a battery and electric motor. The battery in EVs is much larger than in hybrids because it plays a more significant role in providing power for the vehicle to run. Every EV can be plugged into a home or public charging station to charge the battery. Depending on how much charge the battery of an electric vehicle has, the mileage range you have to work within an electric model will vary. 

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid cars are a good option for Riverview drivers apprehensive about switching from gas to electric. You’ll be able to earn serious fuel savings without having to change your driving habits. Other hybrid benefits include:

• The battery charges itself
• You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
• Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs

Bottom line? If you have a lengthy commute or want the freedom to go on road trips without worrying about running out of power while driving, a hybrid vehicle is the best option. You can stop at any gas station to fuel up quickly, just like you’re accustomed to with a traditional gas engine. 

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

So, what is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric vehicles? EVs eliminate the use of gas, leading to significant long-term savings. Not only are they friendly for your wallet, but also for the environment. If you want to increase your efficiency and decrease your carbon footprint, an EV can be your next daily driver. Some of the best benefits of an electric vehicle include the following:

• Low or zero tailpipe emissions
• Quieter ride with no engine noise
• No money spent on gas 
• Fewer maintenance costs (no oil changes or engine upkeep)
• Potential EV incentives based on your location 
• Flexible charging options, including home and public options

If your daily driving mostly consists of quick trips around the Tampa area, you may be able to consider an EV. With the Lexus RZ offering an impressive range on a single full charge, longer trips aren’t out of the question. The number of public EV charging stations has been increasing, so it’s only becoming easier to plan road trip routes in an EV. 

Compare Hybrid vs. Electric Cars With Lexus of Tampa Bay

Now that you’ve learned more about hybrid vs. electric vehicles, which is suited for your Town 'N' Country-area needs? Call 855-689-5760 or schedule a test drive online with the team at Lexus of Tampa Bay. You can also explore our new vehicle specials to save more on your preferred electric or hybrid model. Discover a new environmentally friendly way of driving around Brandon at Lexus of Tampa Bay.