Are you ready to trade in your traditional gas-powered car, truck, or SUV for an alternative-fuel vehicle? If so, you’ll want to take a closer look at your hybrid vs. electric options to determine which is the best fit with your Marietta-area lifestyle and driving needs. This hybrid vs. electric car comparison from United BMW will provide you with the basics and explain the benefits of both. If you’d like to compare hybrid cars vs. electric cars in person, stop by our dealership in Alpharetta to check out the hybrid and electric vehicles we have in stock today!
Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: What’s the Difference?
Before we review the respective benefits of hybrid vs. electric cars, let’s take a look at the basic differences between hybrid cars vs. electric cars:
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid vehicles feature a powertrain that includes a conventional internal combustion engine paired with an electric motor. The gas-powered engine and electric motor work in tandem to significantly boost your fuel-efficiency on the roads in and around Johns Creek. Standard hybrid vehicles (HEVs) self charge via technologies such as regenerative braking, so you never have to plug into a power source to replenish the battery.
Electric Cars
An electric vehicle (EV) is powered solely by an electric motor and battery. Because it plays a more significant role in providing power for the vehicle to run, an EV battery is much larger than the battery in a hybrid. You can recharge your electric car by plugging it in at home or at a public charging station. Depending on the battery capacity, the mileage range you have to work with in an electric vehicle will vary. Models like the BMW iX SUV can deliver an electric range of up to 324 miles on a full charge.
Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles
Driving a hybrid is very much the same as driving a conventional gas-powered vehicle, so you can enjoy enhanced fuel-efficiency without having to change your driving habits. Other hybrid benefits include:
- The battery charges itself
- You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
- Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs
If you have a lengthy commute or want the freedom to go on road trips without worrying about range or the availability of charging stations, a hybrid vehicle may be the better option for you.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
With an electric vehicle you completely eliminate the need for gasoline. You’ll also enjoy EV benefits such as:
- 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
If your daily driving mostly consists of quick trips around the Milton area, an EV could be the ideal choice. The number of public EV charging stations is constantly increasing, so it’s becoming easier to plan road trip routes in an EV. Electrify America, for example, is the largest open DC Fast Charging network in the U.S. with more than 3,000 ultra-fast DC charging stations along major highway routes across the country.
Compare Hybrid vs. Electric at United BMW
Whether you’re considering a hybrid or an electric car, the team at United BMW can help you make a seamless transition. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates can fill you in on your hybrid and electric options to help you choose the vehicle that is right for you. NOte that in addition to our new models, we also carry a fine selection of pre-owned hybrid and eclectic cars. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive, please contact us online or give us a call at 678-890-0741.
