Electric Vehicles vs Hybrid Cars: the best green choice

The driving world is changing. As low-emission zones and government regulations start to make an impact, increasing numbers of people are focusing their attention on more eco-friendly driving options. The main choice right now is whether to go with electric vehicles or a hybrid cars. But which of these two clean driving options is the ultimate green choice? Let’s take a look….

What are Electric vehicles and Hybrid Cars?

Before diving deep into comparisons between the two, let’s try to understand the fundamental differences:

Electric Vehicles (EVs): these are vehicles powered entirely by electricity. Cars like this usually store power in batteries, which drive the electric motor that moves the car. The battery has a limited range, which varies depending on the vehicle. However, charging stations at home or in public locations can be used to charge the battery in less than an hour.

Hybrid Cars: These cars mix the old and the new, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. The vehicle switches between the two, helping to ensure optimal efficiency. Not all hybrid cars are equal, though. For some, the electric battery is charged by the movement of the car. Other plug-in hybrids require a mains connection for the electrical charge.

Electric Vehicles vs Hybrid Cars – Emissions

EVs: With no exhaust emissions at all, Electric Vehicles take the crown when it comes to urban settings where air quality is a pressing concern. However, when looking at the overall emissions of an electric vehicle, you do have to consider the source of the electricity. If your grid relies heavily on coal, the overall emissions, while reduced, are still significant.

Hybrid Cars: Hybrids emit fewer pollutants than conventional cars due to impact of the electric motor. This is the particularly the case in slower, congested traffic. However, they do have some emissions, especially when the petrol engine is in operation. As with EVs, you also have to take the source of electricity into consideration when it comes to plug-in hybrids.

Energy Efficiency

EVs: Electric motors are inherently more efficient than their petrol and diesel counterparts. According to this report by the US Department of Energy, EVs convert over 77% of energy to power a vehicles wheels, compared to just 12% to 30% for petrol cars.

Hybrid Cars: The efficiency of a hybrid car relies on its optimsation of the petrol engine’s usage, regenerative braking, and shutting off the engine when at rest. These cars are more efficient than petrol and diesel cars, but energy loss in hybrids is more compared to EVs because of the dual system.

Driving Range and Convenience

EVs: Early electric cars faced criticism for their limited range. However, advancements in battery technology have increased the maximum distance dramatically. At the time of writing, there are several EVs available with a maximum range of over 400 miles, making them equal to many petrol cars. One criticism previously pointed to is that it is much easier to refuel a petrol car. However, with approximately 50,000 vehicle charging points now located across the UK, it is becoming less valid each day.

Hybrid Cars: The hybrid cars with the longest electrical range can now drive 80 to 90 miles on electric charge only. Combine that with their petrol range (which can vary greatly depending on the model) and the total driving range is impressive. These vehicles also benefit form access to the existing petrol infrastructure and quicker refuelling than electric cars.

Cost and Incentives

EVs: Historically pricey, the costs of EVs are dropping thanks to advancements in technology. Many governments worldwide are also offering incentives, further reducing the cost of acquisition for the end user..

Hybrid Cars: Typically cheaper than pure electric vehicles, hybrids too benefit from some tax incentives and rebates, although not as extensively as EVs.

Future-Proofing and Resale Value

EVs: As the world leans towards electrification, EVs are likely to dominate the future automotive landscape. Improved infrastructure and longer-lasting batteries will also likely enhance their resale value.

Hybrid Cars: They are a bridge technology, offering a transition from petrol to electric. As pure electric vehicles become mainstream, hybrids might see a decline in popularity and potentially resale value.

Which Is the Greener Driving Option?

The answer to this question isn’t black and white. In regions with a clean energy grid, EVs undoubtedly offer a greener drive over their lifecycle. However, if the grid is still coal-dominated, hybrids might edge out in terms of overall eco-friendliness.

That said, both options represent a huge leap from conventional vehicles in reducing our carbon footprint. The choice between them hinges on personal preferences, local infrastructure, and specific environmental concerns.