Choosing a new car has never been more exciting… or more confusing. With rising fuel costs and rapid advances in vehicle technology, many drivers are asking the same question: should I choose a hybrid or go fully electric?
The answer isn’t about which option is better, but which suits you best. Both offer clear advantages over traditional petrol or diesel cars but suit different types of drivers.
So, let’s break it down.
What is the difference between a hybrid and electric car?
In basic terms:
- Hybrid cars combine a traditional petrol engine with an electric motor and battery. They switch between the two (or use both together) to improve fuel efficiency. Some don’t even require plugging in.
- Electric Cars run on electric power only, with no petrol engine at all. You recharge them by plugging in at home or at public chargers.
The pros and cons of hybrid and electric cars
Hybrid Cars
Pros
- Good fuel economy without needing to plug in.
- Familiar to drive, much like a traditional car.
- Versatile for both day to day and longer trips.
Cons
- Produce emissions.
- More components to maintain – having a petrol engine, exhaust system and electric motor/battery means more parts that could need servicing or repairs compared to a fully electric car.
Electric cars
Pros
- Zero exhaust emissions.
- Lower running costs (electricity is typically cheaper than petrol)
- Very smooth and quiet driving experience.
- Often cheaper to service long-term (fewer mechanical parts than petrol engines).
Cons
- Require charging, which needs planning especially on longer journeys.
- Public charging can be slower or busier depending on where you are.
Now we’ve outlined the pros and cons of hybrid or electric cars let’s take a real world look into the suitability and practicality.
Is a hybrid or electric car better for the environment?
If you’re an eco-conscious driver looking to make a meaningful environmental impact with your next vehicle, a fully electric car or EV is for you.
A hybrid car certainly is a step towards a cleaner planet, but it’s almost like recycling cardboard but not plastic, you’re only doing half the job. Hybrid cars cut emissions but still use traditional fuels as the battery and traditional engine work hand in hand.
Some hybrid vehicles, such as Kia Sportage Hybrid 1.6T GDi PHEV GT-Line S 5dr Auto, can be plugged in to charge the battery. When fully charged this vehicle can drive on electric power alone before the petrol engine starts.
Other hybrid engines charge the battery through regenerative braking – the process of capturing the energy transferred through deceleration – or just by using the traditional petrol or diesel engine to charge frequently.
Will a hybrid or electric car save me more money?
A hybrid car is a mechanics dream because they combine the service checks for both combustion engines and electric systems. After all, twice the parts mean twice the potential repairs.
A hybrid car still requires an oil change, emissions tests and exhaust checks. An electric car has fewer moving parts so a service is usually a quicker simpler process, although complex part replacements could be more expensive.
Another consideration when choosing a hybrid or electric car is fuel prices. Your hybrid car will still use its traditional engine and with electricity prices being far lower than fuel this can add up significantly.
If you have off street parking with the ability to charge your electric car at home, you could be saving as much as £6 a mile. Relying on rapid charge public chargers will however effect this saving.
Insurance is one of the few costs where a hybrid car can come out cheaper than a fully electric vehicle. However, this gap is shrinking all the time as insurers gain confidence in electric cars.
Is charging an electric car practical day to day?
The perfect set up for a fully electric vehicle would be off-street home parking with the ability to charge at a reduced off-peak rate. This way you don’t have to rely on rapid chargers.
If you don’t have access to overnight home charging a self-charging hybrid would be a better fit for you. Equally your location will affect the convenience of an electric vehicle.
Fortunately, EV charging points are popping up everywhere and it’s becoming easier to fit charging your EV into your day-to-day routine. There are also handy apps such as Zap Map to plan your journeys further afield.
Does a hybrid of electric car suit your mileage?
One of the biggest concerns for drivers considering an electric car is that it won’t have enough charge to get you where you need to go aka range anxiety. No one wants to be stranded on the motorway. You may be surprised to learn however most modern EVs can travel 150–200 miles or more on a single charge. This easily covers an average UK driver’s weekly mileage of around 120–130 miles.
For everyday commuting and local trips, simply plugging in at home overnight is usually enough to keep you running smoothly. Even on longer journeys, stops for food or service breaks provide natural opportunities to top up your EV’s battery. However, if you often drive long motorway distances with no stopping or don’t have access to home charging, a hybrid’s petrol backup can offer added peace of mind.
Who does a fully electric car suit?
- Eco-conscious drivers looking to make a meaningful environmental impact
- Driving involves short everyday trips, such as the school run, local shopping and commuting to and from work
- Drivers with access to overnight home charging
View our range of fully electric cars available to lease
Who does hybrid car suit?
- Drivers wanting to cut their emissions
- Driving further distances without stops requiring the security of back up fuel engine
- No off-street parking for home charging
- Living in rural areas with less access to charging stations
View our range of hybrid cars available to lease
Try before you decide
Choosing between a hybrid and a fully electric vehicle ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, driving habits and charging access. If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, the best way to decide is to experience them first-hand.
At Flexed, we offer a wide selection of hybrid and fully electric vehicles available for short-term hire or long-term lease, giving you the opportunity to drive with confidence before committing to a purchase. If you need more help selecting the right vehicle for you we are always happy to discuss your lease hire needs. Just give us a call 0800 311 8290
