Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?
When you're ready to trade in your traditional gas-powered vehicle in favor of a hybrid or electric model, which option is a better fit for your La Quinta lifestyle and driving needs? Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs compares hybrid vs. electric below to help you make an educated decision!
Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: the Basics
In the coming sections, we’ll dive into the respective benefits of hybrid vs. electric cars. First, though, we must establish a base understanding of the core differences between hybrid cars vs. electric cars.
Hybrid Cars
Technically, hybrid vehicles are still gas-powered which is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric cars. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, however, hybrids aren’t fully reliant on the gas engine to generate power for forward motion. Accompanying the gas engine in hybrid vehicles is a secondary electric motor. The gas engine and electric motor work together to provide power as you drive through Palm Desert, allowing for significant improvements in gas mileage. The battery for the electric motor in hybrid vehicles self-charges, so you never have to plug into a power source.
Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid cars are a good option for Indian Wells drivers who are a little apprehensive about making the switch from gas to electric. Including fuel economy, benefits of a hybrid vehicle include:
- The battery charges itself
- You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
- Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs
Bottom line? If you have a lengthy commute or want the freedom to go on road trips without worrying about running out of power on the road, a hybrid vehicle is probably the best option! You can stop at any gas station to fuel up quickly, just like you’re accustomed to with a traditional gas engine.
Electric Cars
An electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electric power. There is no engine, only a battery and electric motor. The battery in EVs is much larger than in hybrids because it plays a more significant role in providing power for the vehicle to run. Electric vehicles can be plugged into a home or public charging station to charge the battery. Depending on how much charge the battery has, the mileage range you have to work within an electric vehicle will vary.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
So what is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric vehicles? EVs completely eliminate the use of gas. If you’d like to increase your efficiency and decrease your footprint, an EV may just be your next daily driver. Common EV benefits include:
- Low or zero tailpipe emissions
- Quieter ride with no engine noise
- No money spent on gas
- Fewer maintenance costs (no oil changes or engine upkeep)
- Flexible charging options, including home and public options
If your daily driving mostly consists of quick trips around the Palm Springs area, you may be able to consider an EV! Many EVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE already offer impressive range on a full charge, and according to Bloomberg, OEMs are consistently working to increase EV range year-over-year. Plus, with the simultaneous increase in the number of public EV charging stations, planning road trip routes in an EV will only get easier with time.
Compare Hybrid vs. Electric Cars at Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs
Whether you've determined a conventional hybrid is right for you or you'd like to go fully electric, Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs can help you make a seamless transition now that you know more about hybrid cars vs. electric cars. Contact us for more information on hybrid and EV options at our dealership or explore our new inventory to get started at home!