What’s the difference?
Electric vehicles use an internal battery to store electrical energy, thus this energy is drawn from the electric cells and converted into power through the use of an electric motor. Whereas Hybrid vehicles use a combination of an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This means whenever you apply the brakes, the car stores energy and then uses this energy when it’s in motion instead of using fuel.
Fuel Source
Although you will save a fortune on petrol costs, your time management will have to be quite precise if you’re going to own an electric vehicle, as they all need to be charged for a considerable amount of time at a charging point.
There are three types of chargers available:
- Slow chargers – use a 13 Amp plug takes around 6-8 hours to fully charge
- Fast chargers – use a 32 Amp plug and takes between 3-4 hours to fully charge
- Rapid chargers – use a 125 Amp plugs and only takes under an hour to fully charge
Charging points within the UK are fairly limited but are currently expanding over time. Alternatively, you can install a power supply in your household garage/driveway for convenience.
Hybrid vehicles still rely on petrol/diesel to fuel the vehicle however; they are still very cost effective. The majority of hybrid cars have a high mile per gallon rate, which means you can travel a greater distance for every gallon of fuel you purchase. The higher the number, the more you will get out of your car, thereby having to re-fuel your tank less often. Saving you time and money.
Performance
All electric vehicles have automatic transmission and are practically silent when in motion. However, the speed is often limited to 50mph, although newer models will have higher speed ranges. As a result most electric vehicles are used for city driving and short distance commutes.
In comparison, Hybrid vehicles are adequate for all driving requirements, long distance, commuting, commercial usage etc. Plus with high end manufacturers such as Mercedes and BMW now jumping on the bandwagon you can still drive in style, whilst being environmentally friendly.
CO2 Emissions
Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are continuously rising, which is why car manufacturers are now investing heavily into producing vehicles with lower CO2 emissions a top priority. The new CO2 legislation states that car manufacturers will have to build brand new cars with a CO2 output level of 130g/km and under starting from 2012.
Although electric vehicles have zero emissions whilst in motion, when the electricity is being generated that’s when the emissions are produced. The exact amount of emissions produced is dependant upon the type of electricity being used. If it’s renewable or green tariff energy, then zero emissions are produced, thus saying goodbye to the London Congestion charge.
Hybrid vehicles are easier to gage as all vehicles specify their CO2 output level, so as long as it’s under 100g/km you will also be exempt from the London Congestion charge.
Both electric and hybrid vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages so it really depends on personal preference and intended usage. Whichever you opt for, rest assured that you’ll be creating a greener environment, whilst making financial savings.
