Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a new vehicle in the Lakeville area and you want to upgrade from a traditional gas-powered vehicle to something more fuel-efficient, the first question you need to answer is: do you want a hybrid car or an electric car? They both have their benefits, but only one will ultimately best suit your driving needs. To help you make an informed decision, the team at Shakopee Chevrolet has put together a guide comparing hybrid vs. electric cars below – check it out!

Explore the Differences Between Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars

When comparing hybrid vs. electric cars, the first thing you need to know is how each one works. Let’s start with the basics:

Hybrid Car Overview

Hybrid cars are powered simultaneously by gasoline and electric power, using both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to generate power for forward motion. Although hybrids still use gasoline, they use dramatically less than fully gas-powered vehicles, allowing for significant fuel savings and improved gas mileage! The battery in hybrid cars (except for plug-in hybrids) is able to self-charge on the Burnsville roads, meaning you never have to plug it in to recharge at the end of the day.

Electric Car Overview

An electric vehicle (EV) has no internal combustion engine, running solely on a battery and electric motor. The battery in an EV is much larger and more powerful than in a hybrid because it’s the sole source of power for the vehicle. This means that you have to plug your vehicle in regularly to recharge the battery. EVs enjoy excellent performance specs and robust mileage ranges – for example, the Chevy Bolt EV has a range of 259 miles on a fully-charged battery!

What are the Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles?

If you’re looking for a nice middle ground between a traditional gas-powered vehicle and an EV, a hybrid is probably the best option for you. You’ll enjoy significant fuel savings and improved performance without having to make major changes to your driving habits, and you can still fill up your car at a gas station if you’re worried about running out of battery on the road. Here are some other benefits of driving a hybrid:

• The battery charges itself
• You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
• Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs

What are the Benefits of Electric Vehicles?

When you drive an EV, you completely eliminate the use of gasoline, meaning you’ll never have to stop at a gas station again. EVs are also excellent for the environment, and are often eligible for significant federal and state incentives due to their efficiency. Here are some other major benefits:

• 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

Compare Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars at Shakopee Chevrolet

If you’re still on the fence about whether a hybrid or electric car is best for you, contact our office to set up a test drive around Eden Prairie! We’ll get you behind the wheel in no time and you can compare how hybrid vs. electric cars handle on the road. You can also contact us with any questions, or to learn more about our lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles. If you’ve made up your mind and want to move forward with the buying process, be sure to check out our finance center!