Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

Whether you want to cut back on gas or reduce your carbon footprint, Honda of Mentor has plenty of eco-friendly vehicles for you to peruse. But, should your next car be a hybrid model or a full electric? What’s the difference between hybrid cars vs. electric cars anyway? Honda of Mentor is here to tell you, and we can help you decide between hybrid vs. electric options for your next car. Let’s get started!

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: Design Basics

What if you don’t know the first thing about a hybrid vs. electric car? We’ll start with an overview of how the two models generate power and refuel on the Painesville roads.

• Hybrid cars are built with both a gas-powered engine and electric motor. Both components work together to generate forward momentum. While the engine requires gas for fuel, the battery is entirely self-charging on standard hybrids, although plug-in hybrids are the exception. Examples include the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid.
• Electric vehicles (EV) only have an electric motor. Because there’s no engine, there’s no need for gas at all. When you need to refuel, just plug the car into an outlet. This can be anything from a standard grounded outlet to a home charging station to a DC Fast Charger. An example is the Honda Prologue.

Hybrid vs. Electric Car: Why Choose a Hybrid? 

One of the biggest advantages for the hybrid is its convenience. Driving a hybrid feels remarkably similar to any gas-powered car you’ve driven in the past, except you’ll notice a huge boost in fuel economy. There’s no need to worry about charging your battery on the go, just fill up at a gas station as usual. Here are a few benefits of hybrid models:

• No range anxiety
• Self-charging battery
• More affordable than EVs on average
• Easy transition from gas-powered car to hybrid

Hybrid vs. Electric Car: Why Choose an EV? 

Between hybrid vs. electric designs, only the electric model can run without gasoline. This makes it a fantastic option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. While EV ownership is a little different than hybrid ownership, there are some clear benefits to taking the leap.

• Whisper quiet ride
• No emissions
• Lower maintenance costs
• Potential tax incentives
• Ability to fuel up at home

Compare the Hybrid vs. Electric Honda at Honda of Mentor

So, will you be taking a hybrid or an EV home to Willoughby or Eastlake? If you haven’t made up your mind just yet, feel free to contact us to learn more about hybrid cars vs. electric cars. We’d be happy to give you more information and make suggestions. And when you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a 2024 Honda Prologue or 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, just stop by!