No matter how long you’ve had your car, you’re probably already thinking about your next one. The traditional choice is a gas-powered vehicle, but hybrid and electric cars are becoming more and more popular!
Why choose one over the other? What are the differences between them? How is a plug-in hybrid different than a regular hybrid? We’re breaking down how each type works and the pros and cons of hybrid vs. gas vs. electric cars.
How Does a Gas Car Work?
Most of us are familiar with gas-powered vehicles, even if the exact mechanics are a little fuzzy. Put gas in the tank, start the engine, push the accelerator, and boom—you’re moving. Of course, it’s a lot more complicated than that. But for simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on the main component of a gas vehicle—the engine.
A gas-powered vehicle uses an internal combustion engine (ICE). The engine contains pistons that move within fixed engine cylinders. The more pistons/cylinders an engine has, the more power it can create. Most gasoline engines use a four-stroke process:
- Intake: the piston moves down into the cylinder. A mixture of gas and air is injected into the cylinder.
- Compression: The piston moves up, compressing the fuel/air mixture.
- Combustion: A spark plug fires, igniting the fuel/air mixture, which pushes the piston back down.
- Exhaust: The piston returns to the top, expelling the exhaust fumes created from the combustion process.
This cycle happens hundreds of times per minute per cylinder! A system of belts and gears directs the created energy to all the different parts of the car.
How Does an Electric Car Work?
An electric vehicle is powered by a battery, not an engine. Often called an EV or BEV (battery electric vehicle), electric vehicles use power stored in the battery to run the car.
Instead of filling the car with gas, you plug in the vehicle to charge the battery pack, like you would a cell phone. Energy from the battery powers the electric motor (or motors). The motor creates a rotating magnetic field that turns electricity into torque, which is used to move the wheels.
In addition to a traditional hydraulic braking system, EVs have a regenerative braking system that optimizes driving range and efficiency. Here’s how it works: when you take your foot off the accelerator or press the brake, the electric motor reverses. Instead of sending power to the wheels, the motor generates power that recharges the battery.
How Does a Hybrid Car Work?
A hybrid vehicle uses a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor/battery to power the vehicle. As a result, hybrid vehicles produce fewer emissions and have better fuel economy than a traditional vehicle. Hybrids do not plug in; they rely on the engine and regenerative braking to charge the battery.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is the middle ground between a hybrid and an electric car. It has a larger battery than a regular hybrid, which enables a limited all-electric range (20-50 miles). It uses regenerative braking but must be plugged in to fully charge. Depending on their daily routine, PHEV drivers may not use gasoline except on long trips.
Gas Cars vs. Electric Cars vs. Hybrid Cars
Pros and Cons of Gas Vehicles
Pros:
- Ease of refueling. Gas stations are easy to find, and refueling is quick.
- Long range. Most modern gas vehicles can drive 250-450 miles on one tank of gas.
- Low up-front cost. Gas vehicles have the lowest average purchase price.
- More availability. Gas vehicles have more model options and availability.
- Power and performance. If you have a need for speed, gas-powered is the way to go. Gas vehicles are also better for towing.
Cons:
- Environmental impact. Gas vehicles run on fossil fuels, release tailpipe emissions, and produce waste from maintenance services like oil changes. Vehicle emissions are the largest source of toxic and smog-forming air pollution in Northern Virginia.
- Maintenance cost and frequency. Gas cars require regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid exchanges, brake replacements, and more. Gas-powered vehicles need maintenance more often than electric cars, and the overall annual cost is higher .
- Varied fuel prices. Gas prices vary depending on where you live and world events, and they’re only going up over time.
Read: The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist
Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles
Pros:
- No tailpipe emissions. No tailpipe = no emissions. In addition, EVs are much more energy efficient than gas vehicles.
- Lower cost to operate. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline (if you’re primarily charging at home). Consumer Reports estimates that EV owners save 60% on fuel costs.
- Less maintenance. EV and PHEV drivers save 50% on repair and maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. EVs still need new wipers, tires, and brakes, although regenerative braking slows the wear and tear of the brakes. The biggest maintenance cost associated with electric vehicles is a new battery pack. However, they are expected to last 12-15 years, and costs are decreasing.
- Available tax credits. Federal tax incentives are available to offset the cost of a new or used EV. Some states also offer tax credits. (Virginia’s tax incentive program is currently unfunded.)
- Comfortable ride. Electric vehicles offer a quiet, smooth ride and fast acceleration.
Cons:
- Charging availability. It can be hard to find a charging station, especially in rural areas. (This map shows available charging stations and helps you plan your route.) Also, you may be unable to charge at home if you live in an apartment or park on the street.
- Charging takes a long time. Charging at home is cheaper than charging at a public charging station, but it takes longer to charge at home.
- Level 1 (residential): 40-50 hours to full charge
- Level 2 (residential/public): 4-10 hours to full charge
- Level 3 (public): 20-60 minutes to 80% charge
- High up-front cost. Electric vehicles are more expensive than the average gas car, although the gap is closing. You may also want to install a Level 2 charger in your garage, which costs $1,000-$2,500. Also, EVs generally cost more to insure.
- Shorter range. Electric cars have less range than gasoline or hybrid cars, although the median range of newer models is not too shabby at 234 miles. Extreme temperatures and running the cabin climate control drastically decrease an EV’s range.
- Poor track record. According to Consumer Reports’ 2023 Car Reliability Survey, EVs averaged 79% more problems than conventional vehicles. (PHEVs fared worse, at 146% more problems, while hybrid vehicles averaged 26% fewer problems.)
- Sustainability concerns. EVs do not produce tailpipe emissions, but they are not environmentally neutral. Electric cars produce emissions through the vehicle manufacturing process and their consumption of electricity (about 60% of electricity in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels.) In addition, there are environmental and humanitarian concerns about how battery materials are mined, and there is not yet a consistent process for recycling EV batteries.
- Less availability. Vehicle manufacturers continue introducing new models, but finding an EV that fits your needs may be harder than for a gas car. Fewer electric cars are manufactured each year compared to gas cars, and there are fewer model options overall. Also, supply chain issues may hamper the availability of your preferred EV model.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Vehicles
Pros:
- Produces fewer emissions. Hybrids are less reliant on gasoline, so they produce fewer emissions than a traditional vehicle. And since you don’t plug them in, they do not rely on electricity created from fossil fuels.
- Great gas mileage. Hybrids get significantly better fuel economy than gas-only vehicles, letting you go longer between trips to the pump.
- Less range anxiety. You can fill up at a regular gas station, and you don’t have to worry about plugging your car in (unless it’s a PHEV).
- Longer-lasting brakes. The regenerative braking system reduces wear on the conventional braking system, so you can go longer before replacing the brake pads and rotors.
Cons:
- Maintenance cost and frequency. A hybrid requires the same maintenance as a traditional gasoline vehicle (oil changes, transmission fluid, spark plugs, etc.) It may not need maintenance as often, but maintenance costs tend to be higher because of its more complex systems. Also, its battery pack will eventually need to be replaced.
- Higher up-front cost. On average, hybrids cost $1,000-$3,000 more than comparable gas-only models. They also tend to have higher insurance costs.
How to Decide What Car Is Right for You
A few things to keep in mind as you shop:
- Consider where—and how far—you’re driving. What does your daily commute look like? How often do you take long trips? Are you primarily driving in an urban or rural area?
- Determine the model type you want/need. Do you want a pickup truck? How many car seats will you need room for? How important is cargo space to you?
- Plan when you need your new car. Start budgeting and planning now so that you’re ready to buy when the time comes. If you’re looking at a new electric or hybrid vehicle, you may need to order it well ahead of time.
For help comparing specific gas, hybrid or electric vehicles, try these tools from the U.S. Department of Energy:
- This calculator shows how a hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid would compare to its gas-only version.
- This tool calculates the total cost of ownership and emissions of specific makes and models based on your driving habits.
Caring for Your Car at Virginia Tire & Auto
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, come to Virginia Tire & Auto for automotive service you can trust! Consistent car care extends the life of your vehicle and improves driving safety and performance. Virginia Tire & Auto’s ASE Certified Technicians are trained in the latest vehicle technology. And our tire experts can help you find the best tires for your car at the best price.
Read: Let’s Talk About EV Tires
Drop by one of our locations to talk to us about all your car needs or schedule your visit online!
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