Hybrid vs. Electric: How to Find The Best Vehicle For You

When you are ready to trade in the traditional combustion engine for something with an electric boost, you have two options: hybrid cars vs. electric cars. Hello Mazda of Valencia covers the advantages of each to help you decide which is better suited to your Santa Clarita lifestyle. Hello Mazda of Valencia compares hybrid cars vs. electric cars below to help you make an educated decision! 

Hybrid vs. Electric Cars: Understanding the Basics

Prior to discussing the respective advantages of hybrid cars vs. electric cars, we want to cover the basics. Check out the details below to get an understanding of the differences between hybrid and electric models: 

Hybrid vs. Electric: Hybrid Cars

Hybrid vehicles still have a combustion engine and use gas for power. The difference between a hybrid and fully-combustion configurations is that hybrids aren’t fully reliant on the gas engine to generate power for forward motion. Working in tandem with the gas engine in a hybrid vehicle is a secondary electric motor. Together, the gas engine and electric motor work together to power you through your Sylmar drives, and create significant improvements in gas mileage. Also, the battery for the electric motor in hybrid vehicles self-charges, so you never have to plug into a power source. 

That is, unless you have a plug-in hybrid model, which is a bit different from a traditional hybrid in that it can run on electric power alone for short stints. Plug-in hybrids need to be charged with a power sources, but can run on all electric or gasoline, or a mix of both. 

Hybrid vs. Electric: Electric Cars

Electric vehicles (EV) run solely on electric power, and there is no engine. Instead, a battery and electric motor are used to power your vehicle. Electric vehicles have very large batteries compared to those of hybrids because they play a significantly larger role in providing power for the vehicle to run. Electric vehicles need to be charged and can be plugged into a home or public charging station to charge the battery. The amount of charge the battery has equates to the mileage range you have to work with in an electric vehicle, these ranges will vary from model to model. Models like the Mazda MX-30 EV provide an electric range of 100 miles when charged to 100%. 

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

When you are trying to decide between a hybrid vs. electric car, you’ll want to take a look at not only your daily needs, but what you want out of your vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are a great option if you aren’t committed to going fully electric. You can still earn great savings, and you don’t have to worry about charging the battery. You can also stop at any fuel station around Sylmar and beyond to fuel up your model. Hybrid vehicles are usually more affordable than electric vehicles as well, so you’ll be saving money from the get-go.

Things to consider: If you have a long commute every day, or you’re a frequent road tripper, then a hybrid may be a better choice. The refueling process is simple and straightforward. 

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are a great option if you want to eliminate tailpipe emissions and the money you spend on gas. The ride can be incredibly enjoyable without any engine noise, and car enthusiasts rejoice in the near-instantaneous torque that can provide a rapid drive through town. You’ll also significantly lower your maintenance costs and may be able to benefit from local, state, and even national incentives. 

When you are considering an electric vehicle, there’s a bit more thought that needs to go into the “re-fueling” or charging process. While many CA shops and businesses are getting EV charging stations, you’ll have to locate them and plan ahead for long trips. Home charging does make this process easier. 

Compare Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars at Hello Mazda of Valencia

If you’ve determined a conventional hybrid vs. electric car is the right option for you, Hello Mazda of Valencia can help you make a seamless transition. Contact us for more information on hybrid and EV options at our dealership to get started!