Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is the Best Option?
If you’re looking to upgrade from your gas-powered vehicle to a hybrid or electric car, Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines is here to help you decide which option is right for your Des Moines lifestyle. Read on as we compare hybrid vs. electric vehicles so you can make the best choice possible!
The Difference Between Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars
When deciding between hybrid vs. electric cars, it’s important to, first, have a general understanding of what differentiates hybrid cars vs. electric cars.
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid vehicles are technically still gas-powered, however, unlike traditional gas-powered cars, hybrids aren’t totally reliant on the gas engine to generate power for forwarding motion. Hybrid automobiles are equipped with both a gas engine and a second electric motor. Both work together to produce power as you drive through Urbandale, which significantly improves gas mileage. The battery for the electric motor in hybrid vehicles self-charges, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it into a power source.
Electric Cars
An electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electric power. These cars have no engine, just a battery, and an electric motor. EV batteries are much larger than hybrid batteries because they do a lot of work providing power for the vehicle to run. Electric vehicles can be plugged into a home or public charging station to charge the battery. Depending on how much charge the battery has, this will impact the mileage range you’ll have to work with. Models like the Volkswagen ID.4 provide an electric range of 250 miles when charged to 100%.
What are the Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles?
If you’re a West Des Moines driver who isn’t quite ready to make the jump from gas to electric, hybrid cars are a great option. You can enjoy major fuel savings without having to compromise your driving habits. Additional benefits of a hybrid vehicle 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’re frequently on the go, a hybrid vehicle is a great option for you to be able to enjoy long drives without worrying about running out of power. You can easily stop at a gas station and fill up your tank, just like you would with a traditional gas-powered vehicle.
What are the Benefits of Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles are good for you if you desire long-term savings because they completely eliminate the use of gas. Not only are they more cost-effective, but electric cars also benefit the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint and increasing your efficiency are just a few of the EV benefits you can look forward to:
- Low or zero tailpipe emissions
- Quieter ride with no engine noise
- No money spent on gas
- Fewer maintenance costs (no oil changes or engine upkeep)
- Potential EV incentives based on your location
- Flexible charging options, including home and public options
Bottom Line: If the driving you do on a daily basis consists of short and quick trips around Johnston, you’d do well to consider an EV. However, you don’t have to completely cut long commutes out of your lifestyle with an electric car. With the number of EV charging stations growing, it’s getting easier for EV drives to tackle lengthier trips.
Explore Hybrid and Electric Vehicles at Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines
Now that you know the difference between hybrid cars vs. electric cars, which will you choose? If you’re still deciding, let the automotive experts at Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines help you make the best-informed decision! Contact us to get more information on the hybrid and EV options at our dealership. Also, be sure to check out our new vehicle specials so you can enjoy even greater savings on a new, fuel-efficient Volkswagen model.
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