The demand for a greener and more sustainable world has transformed the automotive landscape with a constant growth of high-end technology. With the concern of fuel rise and environmental impact, we are witnessing a significant shift to hybrid or electric cars around the globe for a green future. Hence, automotive industries worldwide, and the UAE following closely, are planning to completely stop producing internal combustion engine cars in the future, leaving families in the UAE to find viable alternatives to petrol cars.
With millions of electric and hybrid vehicles produced every year, it is challenging for families to choose a reliable option. Therefore, in this blog, we will compare hybrid and electric cars to find the best choice for you.
Hybrid Vehicle – Blend of Both Worlds
Hybrids combine electric motors and petrol engines to produce better fuel efficiency than traditional cars. Hybrids come in two categories: parallel and plug-in hybrids. Both are a combination of electric motor and petrol engine, assisting a smooth driving experience and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Read More: Things to Know When Buying a Hybrid Car – UAE
Advantages of Hybrid Vehicle
Let’s discuss the advantages of hybrid vehicles below.
Fuel Efficiency
Hybrid cars offer better fuel efficiency and contribute to a sustainable and environmentally friendly environment. They are an ideal choice for urban city driving and reduced fuel expenses.
Reduced Emissions
Hybrid vehicles produce carbon emissions but in less amount than conventional cars, contributing to a sustainable environment. Since they are dependent on both electric motors and petrol engines, they release a reduced carbon footprint, becoming a more eco-friendly choice.
Extended Mileage
Since hybrids run on both batteries and fuel, they can switch between both power sources while driving. There is no limited range for hybrid vehicles and, therefore, no range anxiety, as they can refuel instantly. The hybrids typically range from 1000 km to 1500 km on a single fuel tank, allowing no range anxiety to creep in.
Charging
In hybrids, the batteries are charged through the braking system when the car is running at low speed. They use a petrol engine to charge the battery. As a result, you can drive a hybrid for a long run without stopping at a station for a battery recharge.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Vehicle
Maintenance Costs
Hybrid cars require more maintenance than electric cars, as they combine batteries and engines. The maintenance cost of a hybrid is higher because of frequent changes and maintenance of spare parts.
Power
It produces less power and slowly accelerates as it starts on the battery, switching to the engine when it accelerates harder. Hence, it cannot be accelerated hard at the start, so the hybrid’s performance is low, and its power is dependent on the engine powertrain.
Electric Vehicle – Future of Mobility
Electric Vehicles, known as EVs, are a future mobility. They depend totally on the electric motor as their powertrain. They use large batteries to power electric motors. Moreover, they need a proper electric station to charge the batteries.
Let’s discuss the advantages and drawbacks of electric vehicles, which are mentioned below.
Advantages of EV
Zero Carbon Emissions
Electric cars produce zero emissions and have no exhaust pipes. Therefore, they are called the greenest option, offering cleaner air and a sustainable environment.
Maintenance Costs
EVs have lower maintenance costs than hybrids because they rely entirely on batteries. They also have fewer spare parts and are subject to less wear and tear. Every component of an EV runs on a battery and, therefore, does not need routine maintenance of spare parts.
Silent Ride
Compared to a hybrid, an electric car provides a smooth and quiet driving experience without engine noise, like in a hybrid or conventional car. Moreover, they do not vibrate like a hybrid and are more refined, with only one moving part to rely on.
Performance
Electric vehicles accelerate hard and produce high torque right from the go. This allows the car to accelerate real quick and cover 0 to 100km/h in seconds. Most sports cars are electric cars that can be accelerated really fast. For example, the Tesla Model 3 provides a top speed of 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds.
Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
Range
Evs provide a shorter range than hybrids, as it is dependent on the capacity of a battery. If a vehicle has a small battery, it provides a shorter range of around 200 km. Moreover, it gives you range anxiety about the battery running out if you are on a long journey.
Price
EVs require large and robust batteries, as the whole car relies on batteries. The batteries are pretty expensive, so the electric vehicle has a higher price tag. However, only the upfront cost of an EV is hefty, and then you can enjoy an electric car lifelong with little to no maintenance.
Charging
As for charging, electric vehicles take a lot of time to charge. There is only one way to charge the EVs: plugging them into a socket. Moreover, the number of charging stations in the UAE is limited at the moment, which increases range anxiety. However, they are gradually growing around the globe to promote greener vehicles.
Conclusion
Both hybrid and electric vehicles offer a wide range of benefits. The decision to buy one depends on the user’s personal preferences. If you are looking for an eco-friendly and low-maintenance cost, then opt for an electric vehicle. However, if you want fuel-efficient, good mileage, then consider buying a hybrid car at a lower price tag and enjoy the best of both worlds.