Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

The vehicles you see on the streets of Belleair and St. Petersburg have been changing in recent years as hybrid and electric cars (EVs) have been taking the place of gasoline-powered models. You can see the shift when you check the new inventory at Lexus of Clearwater because drivers are demanding the money-saving efficiency of hybrid and electric cars. But what’s the difference between hybrid vs. electric cars? They’re not the same thing. Lexus of Clearwater explains the difference, and our associates are here to help you decide which is right for the way you drive. 

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: the Basics

In the coming sections, we’ll dive into the respective benefits of hybrid vs. electric cars. First, though, we must establish a base understanding of the core differences between hybrid cars vs. electric cars. 

Hybrid Cars

Technically, hybrid vehicles are still gas-powered which is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric cars. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, however, hybrids aren’t fully reliant on the gas engine to generate power for forward motion. Accompanying the gas engine in hybrid vehicles is a secondary electric motor. The gas engine and electric motor work together to provide power as you drive through Palm Harbor, allowing for significant improvements in gas mileage. The battery for the electric motor in hybrid vehicles self-charges, so you never have to plug into a power source. 

Electric Cars

An electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electric power. There is no engine, only a battery and electric motor. The battery in EVs is much larger than in hybrids because it plays a more significant role in providing power for the vehicle to run. Electric vehicles can be plugged into a home or public charging station to charge the battery. Depending on how much charge the battery has, the mileage range you have to work within an electric vehicle will vary. Models like the Lexus RZ provide an electric range of up to 266 miles when charged to 100 percent. 

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid cars are a good option for Clearwater drivers who are a little apprehensive about making the switch from gas to electric. You’ll be able to earn serious fuel savings 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

Bottom line? If you have a lengthy commute or want the freedom to go on road trips without worrying about running out of power on the road, a hybrid vehicle is probably the best option! You can stop at any gas station to fuel up quickly, just like you’re accustomed to with a traditional gas engine. 

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

So what is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric vehicles? EVs eliminate the use of gas, leading to significant long-term savings. Not only are they friendly for your wallet, but also for the environment. If you’d like to increase your efficiency and decrease your footprint, an EV may just be your next daily driver. Common EV benefits include:

• 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 Clearwater area, you may be able to consider an EV! With vehicles like the Lexus RZ offering a total electric range of up to 266 miles on a single full charge, longer trips aren’t out of the question, either. The number of public EV charging stations is constantly increasing, so it’s only becoming easier to plan road trip routes in an EV. 

Choose Your Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicle at Lexus of Clearwater

With a clear idea of what differentiates a hybrid from an electric vehicle, which is best suited for your lifestyle? You can find it at Lexus of Clearwater as Lexus continues to expand their hybrid and electric lineups. Stop by our showroom to experience how both options drive with test drives. When you’re ready to make the switch, we can help you find EV charging stations in Clearwater and more. Choose Lexus of Clearwater as your hybrid and EV experts!