Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-8 PM
Hybrid and electric vehicles have a ton of appealing features and advantages, which can make it hard to choose between them. They both offer better fuel economy and an eco-friendlier source of transportation. There are some differences in how these alternatives to traditional gas-powered vehicles will affect your driving experience. Before you choose between an all-electric model, like the Honda Prologue, or a hybrid model, like the CR-V Hybrid, consider the factors below.
Hybrid vehicles are one step removed from the petrol vehicles most drivers are accustomed to. In addition to the gasoline engine under the hood, they also have an electric motor and a battery pack that is recharged through regenerative braking. Electric vehicles don't have engines. Instead, they are powered by one or more motors connected to a rechargeable battery pack and have eliminated the need for petrol products.
There are several ways this difference can affect your life. The first, and probably the most notable, is the cost of energy. Hybrid vehicles are primarily dependent on gasoline for fuel, which can cost more than double the amount of electric energy. If energy efficiency is a big factor in your buying decision, an EV might be the best option for you.
Gas stations are everywhere, so wondering where you’ll refuel isn’t a concern for most hybrid owners. Electric charging is a bit different. Before you purchase an EV, it’s important to make sure you know how and where you’ll recharge your battery. If you live in an area that doesn’t have many public charging stations and you aren’t able to add one to your home, a hybrid model may be a better match for you. However, the EV charging network is continually growing, and according to the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans live within 2 miles of a charging station. According to PlugShare, Charlotte and the nearby cities of Gastonia and Concord have a combined total of 1,371 EV charging stations. So, if you’re shopping for an EV in Charlotte, you’ll have plenty of charging locations to choose from.
The average driving range of hybrid models is roughly 400 miles on a full tank of gas, while EVs usually have a range of anywhere between 200 and 300 miles. If you, like most EV owners, decide to charge your vehicle at home, the driving range is unlikely to affect your daily routine. If not, you should plan to visit a charging station more often. This is also an important factor to consider if you plan to use your vehicle for frequent road trips. If you do, you’ll need to plan your route and driving schedule around charging stops.
If you’re looking for a way to minimize your carbon footprint, both hybrid and electric vehicles can assist in that department. However, EVs will have a much more significant impact. Hybrid vehicles create fewer tailpipe emissions than gas-only vehicles, but EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, eliminating them completely and dropping your production of greenhouse gasses by up to 20%.
If you opt for an Electric vehicle, you’ll enjoy being able to skip routine maintenance tasks like oil changes. EV motors have fewer moving parts than gasoline engines, so they require fewer maintenance visits and are less likely to need repairs. Throughout your ownership, that can translate into hundreds if not thousands of dollars saved.
Ultimately, deciding which fuel type is right for you depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. If you travel often, live in an area that lacks charging stations, and aren’t able to install one in your home, a hybrid model will fit your situation best. But if you have a solid charging infrastructure in your area, an EV can help you save on fuel and maintenance costs and significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
The Honda lineup includes both hybrid and electric vehicles. Visit us at Hendrick Honda Charlotte to explore your options further.
