Hybrids vs electric vehicles: Five factors to help you choose your next car
Thinking about going green but not sure which road to take? Here are some key factors to consider.
The choice between hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EV) isn’t just about cutting emissions – it’s about lifestyle, budget, and how you actually drive day to day. Before you commit, here are five key factors that will help you decide which set of wheels fits your life best.
- Fuel efficiency
The internal combustion engine (ICE) together with an electric motor in a hybrid means you use less fuel overall. If a hybrid can make your tank of petrol go further on your daily commute, it’s definitely worth considering.
An EV requires no fuel and charing is cheaper than filling up a tank, if you charge smartly.
- Cost savings
Driving a hybrid efficiently means fewer trips to the petrol station, which can save you a lot of money in the long run, especially with the fluctuating fuel prices we face in South Africa.
EVs don’t require fuel and come with less maintenance: No engine = fewer moving parts = fewer workshop visits.
- Environmentally friendly
Hybrids are environmentally friendly without the high cost of an EV. When the electric mode kicks in, you’ll be releasing fewer of the bad pollutants in urban areas, as well as reducing noise pollution because of the quieter engine.
EVs have the bonus of zero emissions…on every drive. They’re cleaner and greener, ideal for eco-conscious drivers.
- No range anxiety
Here is where the hybrid wins, especially if you do a fair amount of driving, as you get to enjoy some of the advantages of driving an EV without worrying about running out of power – a common worry with battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- Convenience
Lastly, if you choose a mild or full hybrid, you won’t need to install a home charger or pay for extra electricity, as they recharge through regenerative braking – neat right?
Find our more by visiting Wheely to view some cars or Naked to get your insurance sorted.
