Hybrid vs. Electric Car – Which is Right for You?

Do soaring gas prices have you thinking about making an electrified car like the Chevy Bolt EV your next vehicle? You’re not alone. A lot of Lakeland drivers are starting to think the same way. But which kind of electrified car should you get, a hybrid or electric vehicle? Is there a difference? If you’re having a hybrid vs. electric car debate, Stingray Chevrolet in Plant City is here to help. We’ve put together a hybrid cars vs. electric cars comparison below.

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars – Saving at the Pump

Hybrid cars typically use less gas than their conventional counterparts, and plug-in hybrids use much less gas. Fully electric cars, however, use no gas at all. That means the only thing you’ll be filling up at Valrico gas stations will be your coffee cup.

Hybrid vs. Electric Car – Charging

Fully electric vehicles need to be recharged in order to run, which means you will need to allot significant time to charging. An 80% charge can take about half an hour if you find a public level 2 charging unit. A level 2 home unit can take a couple of hours, depending on the vehicle, whereas just plugging your car into a 120v outlet can take over 12 hours. Do hybrids need to be charged? Plug-in hybrids are charged the same way as electric vehicles, though the gas engine can take over if the electric power runs out. Hybrids that are not plug-in are charged as the car is running. However, they are not as fuel-efficient as the plug-in variety or as a fully-electric vehicle.

Hybrid vs. Electric Car – Starting Price and Maintenance Cost

Hybrid cars are usually priced lower than electric vehicles. However, an electric vehicle like the Chevy Bolt EUV requires no stops at the fuel pump and very little maintenance. That means you won’t be paying for regular oil changes. Hybrid cars, on the other hand, require all the same maintenance as conventional gas cars, since they have a gas engine in addition to an electric motor.

Check Out the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV at Stingray Chevrolet of Plant City

Are you ready to reap the benefits of driving an electric car? Why not come take the Chevy Bolt EV or Bolt EUV for a test drive? And, if you’d like to learn more, check out our posts on the Chevy Bolt EV configurations and how long it takes to charge a Bolt EV. We’re just down the road from Brandon, so drop by or contact us today!