Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

Plenty of drivers in Orange County and Aliso Viejo are giving up gasoline in favor of clean-driving, cost-effective hybrid or electric cars. If you’re unclear about the differences and similarities when comparing electric vs. hybrid cars, Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel can help. While both electric vs. hybrid vehicles are financially and environmentally smart choices, chances are one is a better fit for your lifestyle. Take a look at how hybrid vs. electric cars and SUVs compare, then visit our EV information hub to learn more.

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 San Juan Capistrano, 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. 

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 with will vary. If you want to know more about how far the all-electric EQE sedan can travel at full charge, contact our dealership today. 

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid cars are a good option for San Juan Capistrano drivers who are a little apprehensive about making the switch from gas to electric. You’ll be able to earn excellent gas mileage without having to change your driving habits. Other hybrid benefits 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. 

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

So, what is one big difference between hybrid vs. electric vehicles? EVs completely eliminate the use of gas, leading to significantly decreased fuel costs. They’re also friendlier for the environment. 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)
• Potential EV incentives based on your location 
• Flexible charging options, including home and public options

If your daily driving mostly consists of quick trips around the Laguna Niguel area, you may be able to consider an EV. Many EVs such as the EQS already offer well over 300 miles 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 Laguna Niguel

Are you ready to conduct your own comparison of Mercedes-Benz electric vs. hybrid vehicles? The showroom at Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel is a great place to start. Visit us for a test drive, or continue your research by learning more about charging an EV or PHEV in an apartment and public charging options with Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel. We’re your EV headquarters, and we’re here to help with any questions you may have.