Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

Have you seen gas prices in Hamden? They’re not going down anytime soon. If you’re ready to leave gas behind or get improved gas mileage on New Haven commutes, we have a few ideas for you. Our guide to hybrid vs. electric cars can help you pick out a new or used vehicle that fits your budget. The experts at Executive Nissan have all of the details you need to make an informed decision about your investment.

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars: How They Work

Our first stop in the debate between hybrid cars vs. electric cars explains how these vehicles work for your Northford drives. You’ll even have a choice of two types of hybrid vehicles. So, here are the two main differences to know about as we compare hybrid vs. electric vehicles.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrids combine an electric motor with a gasoline-powered engine. At low speeds or during a short commute in stop-and-go traffic in North Haven, the electric motor usually propels the car forward. On the highway, the internal combustion engine kicks in because gasoline is more efficient at higher speeds. Traditional hybrid cars recharge the hybrid battery when the gasoline engine operates. 

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are the second aspect of this hybrid vs. electric comparison. You can drive on electric-only power for a certain distance (usually 20 to 40 miles) before the gasoline engine comes on.

Electric Cars

An electric vehicle (EV) only uses a large battery pack to turn one or two motors (depending on if your vehicle is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive). You can recharge an electric vehicle in your garage or at a public charging station when you’re away from home. You’ll be able to travel between 225 to 300 miles before needing to recharge your battery. Even better, there are plenty of public charging stations in our area.

Check out our inventory of Nissan Leaf or Nissan Ariya models if you want to explore all-electric driving in Northford. These two models are some of the best you can find on the road!

Hybrid vs. Electric Car: Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

Our hybrid vs. electric car comparison gives you the basics of how these types of vehicles work. If you’re not quite ready to eschew gasoline but still want to save on refueling costs, then a hybrid is right for you. You’ll always find a gas station to fill up your tank on long drives.

See the benefits of hybrids here:

• The battery charges itself in traditional hybrids
• You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
• Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs
• Can get a plug-in hybrid to charge at home

Hybrid vs. Electric: Benefits of Electric Vehicles

EVs don’t use any gas and can lower your refueling costs substantially. You won’t need oil changes, new spark plugs, or a transmission service. Your brakes might even last longer with regenerative braking technology.

See other benefits of pure EVs here:

• 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)
• Potential EV incentives based on your location and the brand you purchase
• Flexible charging options, including home and public options
• Public charging stations continue to increase in CT

Compare Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars at Executive Nissan

We’ve got two outstanding EVs on our lot waiting for a driver. Contact us or call 203-239-5371 to schedule a test drive whenever you’re ready to see these beautiful vehicles. Until then, take advantage of our payment calculator to develop a monthly budget.