Hybrid vs. Electric Cars: Which is Right for You?

Looking to trade-in your gas-powered vehicle for something new and exciting? You’ve come to the right place! Chevy has a number of exciting hybrid and electric cars, such as the Bolt EV, Bolt EUV, and the upcoming first-ever electric Silverado pickup! If you’re stuck wondering whether a hybrid or electric car best suits your driving needs around High Point, don’t worry – the team at Terry Labonte Chevrolet has everything you need to know in the guide below.

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: Overview

Although hybrid and electric cars share some similarities – both make use of electric power and get excellent performance specs on the Winston Salem roads – there are also important differences to be aware of. Let’s start with a basic overview of how each type of car works:

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are still partially powered by gasoline, but they also use an electric motor as a source of secondary power. Depending on the type of hybrid, the electric motor may partially or fully power the car, with the gasoline engine sometimes acting as a power source for the motor rather than the vehicle itself. Regardless of what type of hybrid you choose – parallel, series, or plug-in – you’ll enjoy a significant reduction of fuel on the road, along with increased fuel efficiency and performance.

Electric Cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by an electric motor, and feature larger and more robust batteries than their hybrid counterparts. This means that, unlike series and parallel hybrids, you have to plug an EV in to recharge the battery. EVs enjoy smooth handling, impressive performance specs, near-instantaneous torque, and advanced features inside and outside the cabin. The Chevy Bolt EV has an electric range of 259 miles, delivering 200 horsepower on the road and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds! You can recharge an EV at home using a Level 1 or Level 2 home charger, or on the go thanks to a wide network of Level 2 and DC public fast chargers!

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

If you’re a bit hesitant about switching from gas to electric, a hybrid can represent a good middle ground. You can still fill up your car at the gas station, you won’t ever have to worry about running out of power on the go, and you can seriously cut down on your fuel consumption and improve your fuel efficiency. Hybrids are often a better choice for drivers who have long commutes or want to take their car on lengthy road trips without having to stress about keeping the battery charged. Here are some of main benefits of driving a hybrid:

• The battery charges itself (unless you own a plug-in hybrid)
• You can still stop and fuel up at any gas station
• Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

By eliminating the use of gasoline entirely, EVs mean you’ll never have to spend money at a gas station again. They’re excellent for the environment, deliver powerhouse performance on the road, and are often eligible for tax credits and incentives. Here are the main benefits of upgrading to an EV:

• 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

EVs tend to be better for drivers who primarily make quick trips and short commutes, although they’re perfectly capable of making longer excursions thanks to long-range mileage and the availability of public chargers.

Compare Hybrid vs. Electric Cars at Terry Labonte Chevrolet

If you have any questions about choosing a hybrid vs. electric car, feel free to contact our office! You can also stop by our dealership to set up a test drive of the Chevy Bolt EV or EUV around Kernersville. And, be sure to keep an eye on our new vehicle specials for deals updated all the time designed to help you save on your next ride!