Electric vs Hybrid: Choosing Your Dream Car in the World of EVs

The year was 2016, and my internal combustion engine sedan was experiencing a mid-life crisis. In the span of a year, my car went from being a reliable source of transportation to a total hunk of junk. The fact that my car had recently exited the warranty period was—I was informed—inconsequential. With this mid-life sedan, I had driven less than 5,000 miles and had experienced three different engine failures, each at varying distances from my home.

My loyalty has limits, and this car required too many maintenance costs for my patience. It was time to move on.

I wanted my next vehicle to be an all-electric vehicle. I had, in fact, already placed a down payment on the announced—still years away from delivery to me—Tesla Model 3. Its promise of zero tailpipe emissions and lower fuel costs seemed like a dream come true. 

The prospect of owning a Toyota Prius or a Toyota RAV4 hybrid was also enticing, given their reputation for exceptional fuel economy and reliability. The idea of being part of a growing community of EV owners appealed to my sense of environmental responsibility.

At any rate, I needed a new car, and specifically, I wanted that new vehicle to be plug-in electric. With NRG having newly installed charging stations available for employees—and being the complete opposite of a morning person—this was my chance to consistently get a great parking space and make my life a bit greener.

I also wanted an SUV. The all-electric Porsche Macan was an obvious choice. But there was one problem. The vehicle was (and still is) not available. When I rolled into the Porsche dealer, the salesperson directed me toward the next best thing: a plug-in hybrid SUV.

For some consumers, the PHEV is the best of both worlds, offering the versatility of electric power and the reassurance of a combustion engine for longer road trips. These vehicles bridge the gap between traditional gas-powered cars and fully electric models, catering to a wide range of driving needs.

The PHEV plugs into an electrical outlet for battery charging, while the vehicle’s power is served by a variety of options, including battery only, combustion engine only, or both at the same time. The range of all-electric vehicles varies based on the battery size, which goes from 13 to over 40 miles. After the battery pack is discharged, the vehicle can continue with the gasoline engine, making it ideal for fuel-efficient travel and longer trips. 

When looking to purchase a PHEV, I found that incentives such as rebates and tax credits could be available to offset the upfront costs. Additionally, with a PHEV, I could technically snag a coveted space—what’s not to love about that? So far, so good.

However, I wanted to know what else was available to me, so the salesperson directed me to conventional hybrids.

In contrast to PHEVs, conventional hybrids do not need to be plugged into a charger or brought to a public charging station. Instead, they rely on regenerative braking, which converts the kinetic energy that is normally lost into chemical energy that can be stored in the battery. The battery allows the combustion engine to be more efficient but does not allow for an all-electric driving mode.

One drawback of a regular hybrid car is the inability to qualify for certain tax incentives available to PHEV and BEV owners. Additionally, without the option for full electric driving, conventional hybrids may not be eligible for preferential parking spots designated for plug-in electric vehicles. This choice would, unfortunately, not grant me front-row parking.

So, I asked the salesperson to try again, and that’s when we hit on fully electric vehicles.

A fully electric vehicle has no combustion engine. The on-board battery provides all the energy to the electric motors, and the motors, in turn, propel the electric car forward. EVs eliminate over two dozen mechanical components – there is no engine, no exhaust, no transmission, no spark plugs, no air filters, no fuel injection, etc. The EV is fully charged by plugging into a 120, 240, or DC fast charging outlet. Further, all-electric ranges of 200 miles or more are now common. By switching to an electric-only vehicle, I could move away from combustion engines and, most importantly, park in a prime charging spot. Thus, my choice was made—electric it was.

But was it a wise decision? To know for sure, I had to take a look at the market trends. 

Many consumers in the United States agree with my decision to go with an all-electric car, as they are continually choosing EV over PHEV options. EVs started to outsell PHEVs in 2014, with PHEV sales trailing until peaking in 2018. PHEV sales continued to decline in the years since. Why are PHEVs losing out? As automakers design and deliver electric vehicles with better ranges—and in the styles desired by consumers—consumers are demonstrating a clear preference for all-electric vehicles.

Even today, the EV market's growth trajectory emphasizes a clear consumer preference for all-electric vehicles over plug-in hybrids, driven by improvements in EV technology, including longer ranges and a broader array of models catering to various consumer preferences.

No matter where you are in your electric journey, the possibilities developing in the world of EVs are exciting. As time passes, our long-held concerns and issues are being turned upside down by new innovations. Whether you have a casual interest or are a hardcore enthusiast, I hope you continue to join me as we explore the world of EVs. 

Read our next blog,  where I shift gears and talk about charging your electric vehicle.