If you wonder whether to opt for a gas or hybrid car, you have come to the right place. We understand how reaching a decision can be tough. However, if you have the proper knowledge, you can easily make the right decision.
When you weigh a gas car against a hybrid car, a hybrid car will win here as it offers much more functionality. It tends to offer numerous benefits. Hence, you have the liberty to switch according to your needs.
Well, there is more to it! For you to make an informed decision, there is a lot that you need to know. Keep on reading to find more information that will surely help you immensely when it comes to picking the right car.
Hybrid car vs. gas car
To begin with, a hybrid car is fuel-efficient. This means that it comes with two motors, one is electric while the other runs on gasoline. In addition to this, it comes with a special system that is responsible for capturing braking energy, which an on-board battery store.
While a gas car is arguably an older alternative, a hybrid car’s popularity is soaring and for all the right reasons. The fame is such that whether it is a luxury car category or an economic one, it has managed to carve its ground in all the categories. All thanks to its excellent performance!
Speaking of this, when it comes to a hybrid car, the electric motor does the most work. It is sometimes when both electric and gas motors work together.
Hence, having a hybrid car means less environmental pollution. Moreover, an electric motor means an added boost to the car’s performance.
Currently, three types of hybrid cars are ruling the market:
- Parallel Hybrid
- Series Hybrid
- Plugin Hybrid
Parallel hybrid car
This is the most popular design when it comes to hybrid cars. In this design, the hybrid car comes with an electric motor combined with a gas engine connected through one transmission. This keeps the power from both the sources blended together.
This transmission can be automatic or manual. Another type includes CVT (continuous variable transmission), commonly found in cars manufactured by Toyota and Chevrolet.
It is the type of transmission and gas engine’s size that determines the parallel hybrid car’s acceleration and speed.
Apart from Toyota, other brands that offer parallel design are Lexus, Nissan, and Ford.
Watch this video for details about parallel hybrids:
Series hybrid car
The electric motor in this design of the hybrid car is responsible for the thrust. Moreover, there is absolutely no connection between a car’s engine and its wheels on mechanical grounds.
The gas engine is responsible for recharging the battery.
The gasoline engine is just there to recharge the battery. This promises a driving experience of an electric car but with a much smoother feel and acceleration.
Here is the video on series hybrid, please be warned that it has more details than most people need:
Plug-In hybrid car
A plug-in hybrid car comes with a bigger and better battery, thereby enhancing an otherwise common hybrid car concept. Similar to an electric car, you can charge this type of hybrid car using external electric outlets. It offers greater energy storage levels.
For a detailed look at PHEVs, look at our complete guide on PHEV.
This, in turn, means the hybrid car consumes less fuel. In addition to this, if you run out of the electric range, the car can go back to becoming a parallel hybrid.
This type of plug-in hybrid car design narrows down the gap between fuel and electric cars. To put it in perspective, when you are going for a shorter commute or are traveling at a slower speed, the plug-in hybrid car’s electric motor will be doing most of the work.
However, as and when you take longer commutes, or for example, are driving on a steep hill, the car will switch to a petrol engine so that you can get the extra power you need.
Additionally, it comes with a battery bearing a larger capacity. Because of this, the car can travel longer distances.
Also, as the name itself suggests that since you can conveniently plug in these hybrids to recharge them on the go, they are the most economical type.
If you are curious about other types of hybrids, you can read more here.
Hybrid vs. gas cars : pros and cons
We already know by now how hybrid cars have taken auto categories by storm. While users give most of the credit to its fuel efficiency, that’s only one side of the coin.
If you are still not sure whether or not a hybrid car is right for you, let’s run a quick comparison between hybrid and gas cars to know what each of them offers.
Pros of Hybrid Cars
- Less Pollution
- Regenerative braking energy
- Reduce dependency on fuel
- Smaller Engines
- Higher Resale Value.
Let us look at these points in detail.
Less pollution
Considering that hybrid cars come with both an electric and a gas motor, this means less environmental pollution, unlike a gas car.
Regenerative braking energy
Most of the energy that hybrid cars produce while braking is captured, which is stored in the battery. This increases the longevity of the breaks. Also, the vehicle consumes less fuel as the electric motor gets more charge.
Reduce dependency on fuel
Since hybrid cars come with fuel efficiency, it keeps the gas prices in check. Also, people would then no longer rely on oil.
They have smaller engines
The gas engines in hybrid cars are small and super light as they are not responsible for running the hybrid car alone.
It has a high resale value
In case you plan on selling your hybrid car, know that you will probably end up with more than you originally invested when you bought it. This is because they are always in high demand, even if they are used. On the other hand, gas cars don’t come with good resale value.
Cons of Hybrid Cars
Cost
So, speaking of hybrid cars vs. gas cars, hybrid cars are pretty heavy on the pocket. Additionally, they are going to remain expensive, that too by quite a margin. A gas car, on the other hand, is affordable.
Higher maintenance costs
Hybrid cars come with higher repair and maintenance costs. Apart from this, not every mechanic has the right gear or knowledge to fix them.
Is it a good idea to purchase a hybrid car?
To begin with, the answer to this question is highly subjective. It depends upon your needs, requirements, and not to mention interest. If you ask us, then purchasing a hybrid vehicle means that you will get to enjoy the benefits of gas mileage.
This is because the hybrid car concept specifically thrives on maximizing fuel performance. Its design allows it to emit less toxic and hazardous gas emissions. This way, it gives back to the environment.
There is less wear and tear when it comes to a hybrid car. So, you can expect lower running costs.
Having said that, if you are looking for a vehicle with high speed, this might not cover you.
In that case, we suggest you opt for a conventional gas car as it will be more compatible with your needs.