Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

If you’re ready to upgrade from a traditional gas-powered vehicle in the Red Lion area, consider a hybrid or electric car from Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! These vehicles get excellent gas mileage (or adjusted electric mileage for a fully-electric car) and are full of sophisticated technology inside and outside the cabin. If you’re not sure what sets hybrid cars vs. electric cars apart, we’ve got you covered! Read on for the basics of how a hybrid vs. electric car works, along with the benefits of each.

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: How Do They Work?

The best way to uncover the major differences between a hybrid vs. electric car is to know how each vehicle works. Let’s start by diving into the basics of how hybrids and EVs operate.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are named for their ability to simultaneously run on gasoline and electric power. Depending on the type of hybrid, the vehicle will be propelled forward either by the gasoline engine and electric motor working together (called a parallel hybrid) or by the electric motor alone, with the gasoline engine working as backup power (called a series hybrid). There’s also a hybrid variant called a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, which has a larger and more powerful battery but needs to be plugged in to recharge. All other hybrids have batteries that self-charge, so you won’t need to plug them into a power source.

Electric Cars

Electric vehicles, or EVs, lack a gasoline engine entirely and run solely on an electric motor. Batteries in EVs are much larger than their hybrid counterparts, because there’s no gasoline engine to work with the motor, so they need to be plugged in to recharge. Luckily, home charging stations are easily installed by a professional and public fast-chargers can be found all over York and beyond.

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

If you’re considering leaving a traditional gas-powered vehicle behind for the first time and you’re a bit apprehensive, a hybrid represents a good middle ground. You can save big on fuel and enjoy smooth electric performance while still retaining a gasoline engine as a backup. You won’t have to worry about running out of power, and you can fill up your car at any standard gas station. Unless you drive a plug-in hybrid, your battery will recharge itself, so you won’t have to pay for a home charger to be installed. Hybrids also tend to be more affordable than EVs, though this isn’t always the case.

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

If you drive an EV, you eliminate the use of gas entirely, meaning you’ll never have to pay to fuel up your car again. This makes them an excellent choice both economically and environmentally–in fact, many EVs are eligible for federal tax incentives. Here are some other common benefits:

• Low or zero tailpipe emissions
• Quieter ride with no engine noise
• Fewer maintenance costs (no oil changes or engine upkeep)
• Flexible charging options, including home and public options

Compare Hybrid vs. Electric Cars at Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of a hybrid vs. electric car, feel free to contact our office! You can also stop by our dealership to talk to a member of our team in person, or to set up a test drive around the Lancaster area. Be sure to check out our new vehicle specials if you’re interested in saving on your next ride!