Hybrid or Electric Car?
Kamilya -
October 8, 2024
The end of internal combustion engines is approaching, and you're already considering transitioning to a lower-emission vehicle. But which type of engine is best suited for your mobility needs? What are the strengths and weaknesses of an electric car compared to a hybrid vehicle? In this article, we at CARIFY also explain the different types of hybrids and what distinguishes them. This way, you can make an informed decision.
Hybrid or Electric Car: An Overview
For those looking to be more environmentally friendly and economical, electric mobility is a must. You can choose between fully electric vehicles and those with a hybrid drive. Here, we’ll outline the differences.
The Different Types of Engines
Although both hybrid and electric vehicles use an electric motor, they differ significantly. This includes not only their range but also battery charging and environmental friendliness.
Hybrid: Full Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Mild Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles have two engines: a combustion engine and an electric motor. As a result, hybrid cars have better fuel efficiency compared to pure combustion engines. However, in terms of environmental friendliness, they fall behind electric cars, especially since the dual motor increases the vehicle's weight. Hybrids can be classified into three types:
Full Hybrid (HEV): The combustion engine is complemented by an electric motor with a range of 20 to 60 km. When the electric battery runs out, the combustion engine kicks in. It recharges the battery while driving, also using braking energy—called recuperation. This is particularly advantageous in city traffic or traffic jams, where frequent braking is required.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Plug-in hybrids have larger batteries with more range, which can be charged via a socket or charging station. On the go, it gains fresh energy through recuperation.
Mild Hybrid: The small electric motor in mild hybrids only supports the combustion engine. As a result, mild hybrids consume less than pure combustion engines, but the electric motor alone cannot drive the vehicle. The electric motor functions as a generator that charges the battery, and it also receives energy through recuperation.
Electric: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
Electric car batteries are charged at charging stations—a process that varies in duration depending on the battery and charging speed. With fast charging stations, like those available at many gas stations, charging takes little more time than refueling and a bathroom break. The kilowatt-hour of electricity costs more at these stations than at regular charging points, but still less than fossil fuels for a comparable range. With a home photovoltaic (PV) system and a wall box, charging might be slower, but the solar power you generate yourself costs almost nothing. Electric cars also use recuperation to recharge the battery while driving. E-cars emit no CO2 while driving and are notably quieter. You'll notice the improved smoothness while driving.
Range Comparison of Hybrid and Electric Cars
An electric motor typically has a range of 150 to over 500 kilometers, depending on battery capacity. Short-distance drivers often manage with low ranges, especially if they can use a home wall box as a charging station overnight. You usually find advanced battery technologies and good ranges in new vehicles, but they come at a cost. Frequent and long-distance drivers need to consider whether a 500 km range is sufficient. However, the charging infrastructure in Switzerland is excellent, and after 500 km, even a combustion engine vehicle would need refueling.
Hybrid cars combine a combustion engine with an electric motor. The electric range is often only 20 to 60 kilometers—enough for city trips or a short commute. The combustion engine significantly increases the overall range to 600 km or more. However, the quiet ride and environmental friendliness come to an end once the combustion engine kicks in.
Cost Comparison: Purchase, Maintenance, and Running Costs
To compare the costs of both electric and hybrid vehicles, we need to consider several aspects:
Purchase costs: Electric cars (EVs) are usually more expensive than comparable hybrid vehicles. However, the prices for new electric cars are currently dropping, and regional subsidies can ease the initial investment. Hybrid vehicles are usually cheaper to buy, though there are fewer government incentives.
Maintenance costs: Electric cars have fewer moving parts, resulting in less wear and tear. Maintenance costs are also lower since they don't require oil changes. In hybrids, the complex systems (combustion engine and electric motor) often lead to higher maintenance costs.
Running costs: Electric cars have the lowest cost per kilometer since electricity is cheaper than gasoline or diesel. In some regions, electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle taxes. In city traffic, hybrids mostly use electric mode, which reduces fuel consumption. However, charging the battery through the engine can increase fossil fuel consumption.
Even though electric cars are typically more expensive to purchase, they compensate with lower operating costs. You need to weigh the higher range and flexibility of a hybrid vehicle against the trade-offs in maintenance and running costs.
Environmental Impact: CO2 Emissions and Sustainability
The environmental footprint of a car can't be generalized and requires considering several factors:
In the production of batteries for electric motors, CO2 emissions cannot yet be avoided, and some of the raw materials used are problematic (both in extraction and recycling). This affects both electric cars and hybrids equally. However, hybrids also have CO2 emissions from the production of the combustion engine, giving electric cars a clear environmental advantage in this area.
During operation, it depends on the type of hybrid and the majority of the routes driven. E-cars drive emission-free. This also applies to full and plug-in hybrids on short distances, as long as they are driven purely electrically. On long journeys, however, the combustion engine will inevitably come into play. Due to the vehicle’s heavy weight and the energy needed to charge the battery, hybrids can consume more fossil fuels per kilometer than pure combustion vehicles. However, overall, they are still more environmentally friendly because most trips are short and purely electric. Mild hybrids, however, cannot drive emission-free at all. Thus, electric cars lead in environmental performance, especially if the electricity used comes from renewable sources.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid and Electric Cars
Hybrid and electric cars have their pros and cons. Here are some key points:
Hybrid Cars:
Advantages:
Fuel Efficiency: Using the electric motor improves fuel efficiency in city traffic and short distances.
Range: The combination with a combustion engine increases the hybrid’s range.
Flexibility: Hybrid cars don’t require charging infrastructure and can refuel at a regular gas station.
Disadvantages:
Maintenance Costs: The complex technology can lead to higher maintenance costs.
Environmental Impact: Hybrid cars have a poorer environmental footprint compared to electric cars.
Electric Cars:
Advantages:
Environmental Impact: They drive emission-free and quietly, reducing traffic noise.
Operating Costs: Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and electric cars require less maintenance.
Driving Pleasure: Instant torque and smooth driving—electric cars offer a combination of fun and comfort.
Disadvantages:
Range: The range of electric cars is somewhat lower than that of combustion vehicles.
Charging Infrastructure: In some regions, charging stations are scarce. There, you must carefully plan your trips with an electric car.
Charging Time: Depending on battery capacity and charging speed, charging can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.
Subsidies and Government Incentives
As of 2024, electric and hybrid vehicles are subject to a 4% import tax, which increases the price of new cars. Despite this, switching to electric is still worthwhile. Whether you can expect subsidies for your electric car or hybrid depends on your region. Almost all subsidies apply only to electric cars, with very few extending to hybrids.
Many regions reduce the vehicle tax, in some cases by up to 100%.
Some municipalities offer subsidies for e-mobility or charging infrastructure.
Some insurance companies reward electric car drivers with an eco-bonus.
Explore All Electric and Hybrid Models at CARIFY
With a car subscription from CARIFY, you can test different types of engines without obligation and find out how you want to drive in the future. We work with more than 400 garages and car dealers across Switzerland, so we can regularly offer you great new vehicles. Explore our extensive range of electric cars, full hybrids (petrol and diesel), plug-in hybrids (petrol and diesel), and mild hybrids (petrol and diesel) by filtering by fuel type in your car search.
Conclusion
Electric cars have the best environmental footprint, while hybrid vehicles score with range and flexibility. However, given the significant improvements in the range of electric cars and the excellent Swiss charging infrastructure, electric cars are increasingly outpacing hybrids. Whichever environmentally friendly mobility solution you choose, you'll find your dream car with CARIFY as part of a flexible subscription, including a worry-free package.
FAQs
Which is better: a hybrid or an electric car?
Hybrids have a worse environmental footprint and higher operating costs, while electric cars have a shorter range and are more expensive as new cars. Overall, electric cars are better.
What are the disadvantages of hybrid cars?
The environmentally friendly electric motor in hybrids has a limited range. The heavy vehicles consume more fossil fuels than regular combustion engines. Operating costs are also high.
Who should get a hybrid?
Long-distance drivers are better off with a hybrid because they can use both engines and don’t need charging infrastructure.
Which is more economical: a hybrid or an electric car?
With an electric car, fuel, operating, and running costs are the lowest.