Electric or Hybrid - Which is Best for Me

Electric or hybrid cars

Have you been thinking about purchasing a new car? Which make and model has always been the first thing one thinks about. Nowadays, we have to make another decision. Should I get an electric car or a hybrid? Here are some points to consider to help you make the right decision. 

The UK is planning to ban petrol and diesel automobiles beginning in 2030, with this in mind, it’s a smart idea to plan ahead. 

Electric cars – Pros

The development of e-cars is making more and more progress. Due to their advantages, more and more customers are becoming enthusiastic about e-cars. There are many reasons for this; driving enjoyment due to the powerful acceleration from a complete stop and decreased noise. The biggest argument for buying an electric car is because it is environmentally friendly. The car becomes a purchase that is both a status symbol and an expression of one’s idealism. Thanks to the electric motor, which does not require combustion, no CO2 or other greenhouse gasses are emitted. Even in the overall CO2 balance, which considers the entire lifetime of the electric car, it beats normal combustion engines.

Electric cars pros and cons


The electric motor is also very energy-efficient: the built-in motors have an efficiency of up to 90 percent. This means that 90 percent of the energy fed in, can also be used. This value is only 20-40 percent for combustion engines. In addition, electric cars do not consume petroleum in the form of petrol or diesel and so conserve this resource.

Cons

The range of electric cars does not yet come close to diesel and petrol. Electric cars are still more expensive than combustion engines, and recharging the batteries is not always easy. These are facts that are still holding back the sale of electric cars and plug-in hybrids in most countries, but they are on the increase.

Most of the disadvantages of electric cars are due to the current state of technology. The biggest cost factor is still the vehicle’s battery. The production of lithium-ion batteries, which are currently being installed, is not only expensive, but also leaves a significant CO2 footprint that weighs on the overall environmental balance of electric cars.

Hybrid cars – Pros

Hybrid vs electric cars uk

Hybrid cars aim to combine the advantages of combustion engines and electric drives. Since an electric motor is already highly efficient in the low speed range, it is particularly well suited for starting and for low speeds. At high speeds, on the other hand, the combustion engine works better. Most hybrid cars can automatically switch between the two engines or run both together when this is most efficient.

With the synthesis of both types of drive, fuel consumption and emissions can be reduced, dynamic driving performance created, and a long range achieved at a reasonable additional cost. The electric motor supports or replaces the combustion engine – especially where it is inefficient – and serves as a performance booster in some situations.

Cons

Even before you take a closer look at a hybrid car, one thing immediately catches your eye is  the high price. Many models are now offered as classic combustion engines and hybrids, and the price difference is often several thousand euros more for the hybrid model. One reason for this is that both electric and combustion technology must be installed.

This leads us to the next disadvantage, the weight. Precisely because both systems are installed, the hybrid weighs significantly more than a classic model. The extra weight becomes a problem especially when driving on the motorway, because fuel consumption rises sharply here and can even be higher than that of a combustion model. Two systems also mean that more space is needed. The battery has to be stored somewhere, which is usually at the expense of boot space. The fuel tank is also smaller and so the fuel is no longer sufficient for long journeys. From an ecological point of view, a hybrid only pays off if you drive it for a long time and, above all, for short distances and in city traffic


Electric vs. Hybrid – which is the better option?

An electric vehicle requires up to 50 % less energy than a hybrid. Studies show that e-car operation produces up to 70 % less greenhouse gas, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than a hybrid. So if you are concerned about emissions, you should invest in an EV.

 5 UK top-rated EVs: 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 – With a high charging speed, many assistance systems and generous interior space, Hyundai even tackles the electric luxury class.

Kia EV6 – The Kia EV6 comes with trendsetting 800-volt technology and a bold design.

Skoda Enyaq – The Skoda benefits from its rear-wheel drive design, and curvy maneuvers are no problem at all.

Tesla Model 3 –  The “base model” of the Model 3 with rear-wheel drive is quite impressive. The “Standard Range Plus” version offers 239 kW or 325 hp.
Ford Mustang Mach-E – It takes you through everyday life fully electrically and will wow with its appearance, technology, and performance.

5 UK top-rated Hybrids: 

Toyota Prius – It is still an aerodynamically optimised saloon from the compact class.

Renault Captur – The entire drive unit provides agility, very good driving comfort, and enough steam for all everyday situations.

Kia Niro PHEV – In terms of connectivity and assistance systems, the crossover is once again state of the art, making it an attractive choice.

Skoda Octavia iV – The vehicle is striking with a lush grille and a touch of luxury in the interior..

BMW 330e
– This may not be the most economical plug-in hybrid, but it provides plenty of dynamics with the concentrated power of its drive units.

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