Let's Get Electrified

It's no secret that hybrid and electric cars are taking over the roads, especially with many vehicle manufacturers pledging to be fully electric by 2035. As fuel prices continue to climb, more and more drivers are looking for a greener, and more efficient means of transportation, thus thrusting hybrids and electric vehicles into the spotlight.

However, some drivers are confused as to which vehicle is best for them: a hybrid, or a fully electric vehicle. Dive in with us as we explore both types of vehicles in this hybrid vs. electric car comparison, and be sure to check out your options and our inventory at Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Cleveland.

Hybrids in a Nutshell

Unlike traditional vehicles that only have an internal combustion engine that does all the work, a hybrid is a vehicle that uses both a gas engine and an electric drive system to move you forward. These types of vehicles can operate both solely on electric or solely on gas power for short periods of time, but they most commonly use both drive systems together to move you forward in the most efficient manner possible.

Hybrid vehicles give you the benefit of fuel efficient driving, while never worrying about the battery pack running out of juice. Hybrid vehicles recharge themselves, largely through regenerative braking, which uses kinetic energy while braking to send energy back to the battery pack. The Toyota Prius is one of America's most renowned hybrids, achieving EPA estimated figures north of 50MPG. Since it gained popularity more than 20 years ago, many mother hybrids have been introduced to the market, from hybrid sports cars to hybrid SUVs.

Though more efficient than their gasoline counterparts, hybrid vehicles are not perfect. Because their main focus is efficiency, hybrid vehicles are sometimes slower and less fun to drive than traditional gasoline vehicles, and because of their complex hybrid systems, they can be more expensive to repair. Because hybrid battery packs are always in a state of constant use and constant recharging, their battery packs tend to need replacing around 100,000 miles.

The Scoop on Electric Cars

Fully electric vehicles have no gasoline engine onboard and run solely on electric power. Rather than stopping by the fueling station when an electric vehicle needs more juice, you’ll need to stop by the charging station, or you’ll need to charge at home before you leave. Unlike their hybrid cousins, which tend to be slow, electric vehicles can be lightning fast because their electric motors provide instant torque.

Because there are far less moving parts in an electric vehicle, maintenance is cheaper than a gasoline or hybrid vehicle. Electric vehicles are now offering a similar driving range as some comparable gas cars while operating at a fraction of the energy cost.

As with anything, electric vehicles are not perfect either and come with their own set of challenges. While hybrids are generally more expensive than gas vehicles, electric vehicles are generally more expensive than both options. Governments have worked to offset this by offering federal tax incentives, but still, buyers must still be able to afford the higher sticker price of an electric car.

Since long range electric vehicles are still fairly new to the market, there still aren't charging stations on every corner like a traditional gas station, especially in more remote areas. Those who like to enjoy road trips often think about range anxiety, or running out of battery before they make it to a charging station.

However, new charging stations are popping up everywhere, making it easier for drivers to get a quick charge so they can make it to their next destination.

An Easy Buffer

Serving as an easy buffer as you transition from a gas vehicle to a vehicle that needs to be plugged in are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also known as PHEVs. Plug-in hybrids get their name because they need to be plugged into a power source to charge their batteries so they can travel on fully electric power.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are very similar, except plug-in hybrids offer short range fully electric driving thanks to their larger battery pack. Once their electric range has been depleted, their gas engine kicks in, allowing the vehicle to operate as a normal hybrid.

These vehicles are great for drivers with short commutes because they offer an electric range of around 25-40 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in, allowing some drivers to commute to work daily without their gasoline engine ever kicking in.

Adventure in a PHEV Today

Exploring hybrid vs electric car pros and cons has been fun and we hope that you’ve learned a thing or two. If you’re ready to get electrified, we welcome you to come in and explore the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug in hybrid. Offering you all the capability and even more adventure, the Wrangler 4xe lets you adventure even further as you bypass the pump and enjoy its more efficient powertrain.

Here at Cleveland Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, we feature an abundance of specials for you to take advantage of and a broad inventory to explore. Make your way down and discover your options at our Cleveland dealership today!