Hybrid vs. Gas-Powered Vehicle: Which Type is Best for Your Needs?
Optional charging equipment shown
In contrast to vehicles that run solely on petroleum fuels, hybrid vehicles are powered by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, hence the name “hybrid”. Because of this combination of electric and combustion power, they tend to be more fuel-efficient in urban/suburban driving than their traditional counterparts.
With the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles, it’s important to know how they work, including the pros and cons of both hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles so you can make an informed decision on which type of vehicle is right for you. In this article, we’ll compare the two.
How do hybrid vehicles work?
Because hybrid vehicles have both an electric motor and gas engine, they blend the two power sources for the most efficient operation, depending on a number of parameters, including speed, acceleration demand, battery state of charge (SOC), and more. At lower speeds, hybrids rely more on their batteries and electric motor(s). An internal computer system within the vehicle manages the selection between electric power, gasoline, or both.
All hybrids require fuel for the internal combustion engine, though most hybrid vehicles can move at low speed on just battery power. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have larger battery packs and can drive longer distances, higher speeds, or both on electricity alone, and the battery pack can be charged by plugging the vehicle in. Read our article on the types of electric vehicles for more information about how other types of electric vehicles work.
The term “hybrid vehicles” can also encompass several types of hybrids. Here are the other types of hybrids that fall under this label:
● Full hybrid (HEV): A full hybrid, often called simply a “hybrid,” can operate using one or both of their propulsion sources (gasoline and electric) at the same time, allowing the electric motor or battery to recharge through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking.
● Plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs): Similar to full hybrids, PHEVs feature both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. What sets them apart is the ability to recharge their onboard battery from external power at a charging station, whether commercial or at home. Read our hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid article for more information on the difference between hybrids and PHEVs.
● Mild hybrid (MHEV): A mild hybrid is equipped with an electric motor and battery that supports the gas engine, but the electric motor does not power the vehicle on its own.
Hybrid cars pros and cons
Hybrid vehicles burn less fuel and are therefore typically more fuel efficient. Not only can you charge your PHEV at home, the cost to charge an EV or PHEV tends to be lower than buying gas. In this section, we’ll explore more of the pros and cons of hybrid vehicles.
Pros
● Better fuel efficiency: The combination of a gas engine and electric motor helps reduce fuel consumption, particularly in stop-and-go traffic and city driving. Most hybrid vehicles also utilize a regenerative braking system that can absorb up to 70% of the kinetic energy from the brakes and convert it into electricity to charge the vehicle’s battery.
● Reduced tailpipe emissions: Because hybrids are capable of running on electric power during slower speeds, they can minimize emissions and negative environmental effects compared to non-hybrid vehicles.
● Government incentives (for PHEVs): Both federal and state governments offer incentives and tax credits for plug-in hybrid vehicles, helping to offset the cost of switching to electric.
● Potential for higher resale value: The efficiency of hybrids and their advanced features can also contribute to an increased demand for resale vehicles.
Cons
● High initial cost: Despite fuel savings over time, hybrid vehicles currently generally have a higher initial cost than conventional cars with otherwise similar specs.
● Limited all-electric range compared to battery electric vehicles: A big deterrent for potential plug-in hybrid buyers is the limited all-electric range hybrids have compared to battery electric vehicles. PHEVs often have an electric range of 15-60+ miles before needing to switch to the internal combustion engine, whereas all-electric vehicles can typically drive between 100-500+ miles on a single charge.
● Cost of battery replacement: Battery replacements for hybrid vehicles can cost anywhere from approximately $1,000-$8,000, which can be an expensive investment for some owners.
Gas non-hybrid car pros and cons
While hybrids occupy a unique, up-and-coming space in the automotive world, the general population is still most comfortable driving traditional gasoline-powered cars. This familiarity can appeal to a variety of drivers, but that doesn’t mean these cars are without their drawbacks as well. In this section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of gas cars.
Pros
● Potentially lower upfront cost: Depending on the type of vehicle you’re looking to buy, gas cars have the potential to have a lower upfront cost than hybrid vehicles.
● Better power and performance: Gas-powered vehicles typically generate more power compared to hybrids, and often prioritize performance over fuel efficiency.
Cons
● Worse fuel efficiency: Not only are gasoline-powered cars at the mercy of fluctuating gas prices, but only about 12-30% of the energy from that gasoline goes toward powering the vehicle — the rest is lost to engine and driveline inefficiencies, or goes toward powering your vehicle’s accessories.
● More tailpipe emissions: Traditional gasoline vehicles rely on burning fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment. Despite fuel-efficiency upgrades on newer gas vehicles, they still produce more tailpipe emissions than hybrid or electric vehicles.
Should I buy a hybrid or a conventional gas-powered car?
There are many factors to consider when you are considering buying a hybrid or even another type of EV. Hybrids can be a great option for drivers, and they help reduce tailpipe emissions and save money on fuel. On the other hand, gas vehicles tend to be more affordable and have better infrastructure to support refueling.
When debating whether or not to buy a hybrid vehicle, consider the anticipated fuel costs and tax savings associated with your purchase to get a good idea of whether or not a hybrid vehicle is right for you. Here are a few scenarios to help you put your purchase into perspective.
● Urban commuting: Stop-and-go traffic in cities is just a fact of life if you’re traveling at certain times of the day. Hybrid vehicles do exceptionally well in this kind of environment, because their regenerative braking system recaptures lost energy during braking that is then used to charge the battery and extend the range of the EV power and minimizes the need for power from the combustion engine. If you live in an area where you frequently deal with congestion in your daily errands or commute, a hybrid is the better option over a traditional vehicle. Not only is it convenient for you in the short term, but the lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impact associated with hybrids make purchasing one a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice over the long term.
● Suburban and/or rural living: On the other hand, if you live in an area where you’re frequently driving on the highway or down country roads, a hybrid vehicle’s regenerative braking system just won’t provide as much value. This can make it less advantageous to own a hybrid instead of a traditional gas vehicle. For drivers who spend a lot of time on the open road, a traditional gas engine may make more sense in the short and long term because these vehicles can provide a more efficient driving experience on highways.
● Fuel efficiency: If you’re an environmentally-conscious driver who prioritizes fuel efficiency, a hybrid vehicle can typically offer better fuel economy than a gas vehicle — making it a great choice for you. In addition to the long-term savings on fuel costs you can enjoy with a hybrid, the regenerative braking system in your hybrid also contributes to less wear and tear on your brake systems, which can help you save money on maintenance over time.
● Budget constraints: Maybe you’re a driver who is on a tight budget, or you live somewhere that you don’t need to drive every day. In this case, you’d probably want to opt for a gas vehicle for its lower upfront cost. Especially if the vehicle is used infrequently, the potential fuel savings from a hybrid may not justify the higher initial investment in some cases. A gas car can be a better short and long-term choice due to its lower initial cost and minimal impact on overall expenses.
Now that we’ve explored a few scenarios, here are some questions you should ask yourself to understand whether a hybrid or PHEV is right for you:
- Do I have a Level 2 charger set up in my house, or room for one?
- What kind of hybrid makes sense for my lifestyle?
- How much am I able to spend?
- What expectations do I have regarding fuel economy, reliability, and overall satisfaction for my new vehicle?
- How long do I plan to keep the vehicle?
- Is the majority of my travel urban or open road?
Your personal answers to these questions will be the best indicator for what type of vehicle best suits your needs.
Experience Mazda Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
In our PHEV variants, you can use EV mode to maximize use of the electric motor during city driving but under normal driving conditions, they are driven by a combination of gas and electric power, seamless to the driver. To recharge the electric battery in your PHEV, simply plug your Level 1 charging cable into a standard wall outlet, and that’s it; it will run on gasoline as well.
What’s more, the MyMazda app gives you visibility into your new PHEV, showing you your battery state of charge, estimated range, remote charging capabilities, and nearby charging stations in the area.
Now that you’re ready to hit the road, locate a local dealer and schedule a test drive today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.