There are more options than ever for drivers who want to reduce or eliminate their reliance on fossil fuels by driving electric & hybrid vehicles for sale today.
Automakers are constantly rolling out new EVs, PHEVs, and hybrids. For those who have always driven gas-powered cars, the distinctions between the different types of electric & hybrid vehicles for sale can feel confusing. This article will offer a brief overview of what to expect from each type of hybrid or EV.
What Are Electric Vehicles?
Battery electric vehicles are often referred to as EVs or BEVs. They get all their power from battery packs and use electric motors rather than gasoline engines. They also feature simplified transmissions, meaning BEVs require less maintenance over time.
The most eco-friendly of the electric & hybrid vehicles for sale, BEVs come with many benefits. Drivers can charge them easily at home without waiting in lines at filling stations. BEVs are quiet and surprisingly zippy, offering faster acceleration thanks to the electric motors.
BEVs are incredibly convenient for short daily commutes, particularly for drivers who own their homes and have access to off-street parking. However, they’re not without their drawbacks. Driving an EV a long distance requires planning when and where to charge, and topping off the battery can take a while.
What Are Hybrids?
Hybrid vehicles still have gas engines but get assistance from electric motors and small battery packs. Drivers fuel them up at gas stations just like they would with regular cars. In fact, many hybrids are new versions of popular gas-only models.
Like EVs, hybrids often feature regenerative braking modes to help recharge batteries, and the electric motor lets the car shut off its engine completely at low speeds. As a result, hybrids have excellent gas mileage and produce fewer emissions than gas-only cars.
There are still some drawbacks to standard hybrids. They’re a little more expensive than comparable gas-only models, and most use continuously variable transmissions, which can cause high engine revving. Traditional hybrids also tend to have longer stopping distances.
What Are Plug-In Hybrids?
If traditional hybrids constitute a middle-ground between gas vehicles and BEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) fill in the resulting gap between hybrids and EVs. They allow drivers to get around locally on electricity alone but still feature gas-burning engines for longer trips.
PHEVs have batteries large enough to support electric-only driving and technologies like regenerative braking, which extends the range. Most can travel 20 to 40 miles on a charge, and, like standard hybrids, they get good fuel efficiency once the electric range is depleted.
PHEVs are more expensive than regular hybrids and need to be recharged just as often as BEVs. As with BEVs, charging can be complicated in multi-unit dwellings. PHEVs are also less fuel-efficient than traditional hybrids once they surpass their electric-only range.
Who Should Buy Electric & Hybrid Vehicles for Sale?
Anyone purchasing a new vehicle should consider the electric & hybrid vehicles for sale. If charging could pose an issue or long-distance drives are the norm, a hybrid may be the best solution. For short-distance daily commutes with few longer trips, a BEV is best.
Many drivers choose a PHEV that offers the best of both worlds. They can plug in and use the electric-only range for daily commuting but have the option of filling up on gas for longer trips.
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