Hybrid vs. Electric Cars: What's the Difference?

Want to lower your overall costs of new vehicle ownership? Ready to trade in your traditional gas-powered vehicle in favor of a hybrid or electric model? Our guide examines which option is a better fit for your Westport lifestyle and driving needs. Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield compares a hybrid vs. electric car to help you make an educated decision on your next vehicle purchase!

Difference Between Hybrid and Electric Cars: The Basics

We’ll dive into the respective hybrid vs electric cars pros and cons for this guide. First, though, we must establish a base understanding of the core differences between a hybrid vs. electric car.

Hybrid Cars

Technically, hybrid vehicles are still powered by gasoline. Unlike traditional gas-powered, internal combustion vehicles, however, hybrids aren’t fully reliant on the gas engine to generate power for forward motion.

Accompanying the gas engine in hybrid vehicles, like a Mercedes-Benz GLE hybrid SUV, is a secondary electric motor. The gas engine and electric motor work together to provide power as you drive through Norwalk, allowing for significant improvements in gas mileage. The battery for the electric motor in hybrid vehicles self-charges thanks to the gasoline engine turning a generator that adds more power to the battery. You never have to plug into a power source with hybrid vehicles.

Electric Cars

An electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electric power. There is no gasoline engine, only a large pack of batteries, typically hundreds of lithium-ion cells strung together, and an electric motor. The battery in EVs is much larger than in hybrids because it plays a more significant role in providing power for the vehicle to run. In the hybrid vs. electric car debate, you need to know that EVs are heavier because of the battery. You’ll go through more tires over the life of your EV.

Electric vehicles can be plugged into a home or public charging station to charge the battery. Depending on how much charge the battery has, the mileage range you have to work with an electric vehicle will vary. Models like the ultra-luxury EQS SUV provide one of the top electric ranges of any vehicle on the market today at 350 miles when charged to 100% and a total of 107.8 kWh of capacity. If you’re looking for the top of the heap in the hybrid vs. electric debate, the EQS is as good as it gets!

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid cars are a good option for Weston drivers who are a little apprehensive about making the switch from gas to electric. You’ll be able to earn serious fuel savings without having to change your driving habits, install a home charger, or worry about range anxiety. Other hybrid benefits include:

• The battery charges itself
• You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
• Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs

Bottom line? If you have a lengthy commute or want the freedom to go on road trips without worrying about running out of power on the road, a hybrid vehicle is probably the best option! You can stop at any gas station to fuel up quickly, just like you’re accustomed to with a traditional gas engine. Plus, there are more gas stations in the United States than public EV charging stations, although there are more public charging stations coming online every week!

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

EVs completely eliminate the use of gas, leading to significant long-term savings and a lower cost of ownership. Not only are they friendly for your wallet, but also for the environment. If you’d like to increase your efficiency and decrease your footprint, an EV may just be your next daily driver for commutes, weekly errands, and weekend getaways. Common EV benefits include:

• Low or zero tailpipe emissions
• Quieter ride with no engine noise
• No money spent on gas
• Fewer maintenance costs (no oil changes, spark plugs, radiators, or engine upkeep)
• Potential EV incentives from the government based on your location
• Flexible charging options, including home and public options

If your daily driving mostly consists of quick trips around the Fairfield area, you may be able to consider an EV! With vehicles like the EQB SUV offering a total electric range of 232 miles on a single full charge, longer trips aren’t out of the question, either. The number of public EV charging stations is constantly increasing, so it’s only becoming easier to plan road trip routes in an EV. But the EQB is a fantastic everyday vehicle!

Compare Hybrid vs. Electric Cars at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield

Whether you’ve determined a hybrid is right for you or you’d like to go fully electric, Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield can help you make a seamless transition. Contact us for more information on hybrid and EV options at our dealership. Better yet, explore our new vehicle inventory to get started on your luxury car-buying journey. We know you’ll love one of our high-end vehicles!