Hybrid and Electric Vehicles | Benefits, Differences, and How they Can Save You Money

There has been a lot of recent discussion about Hybrid and Electric vehicles. Additionally, with high gas prices there is more curiosity surrounding them both. But what is a Hybrid vehicle? What is an Electric vehicle?

Hybrid

A Hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. By combining both the gasoline and electric motors you increase your MPGs and get optimal fuel efficiency. The electric motor receives power from the battery pack while also transferring energy back into the battery pack. Furthermore it is self charging through a process known as Regenerative Braking. When you press on the brakes of any vehicle the friction created reduces the kinetic energy to slow the vehicle down.  However on a Hybrid, the traction motor can recover some of that kinetic energy.  That energy is then stored in the battery pack to power the electric motor. Toyota has been manufacturing Hybrid vehicles for over 20 years.

To learn more on the history of the Toyota Hybrid visit our Toyota Hybrid Technology | 20 Years in the Making Blog. To illustrate how the technology works you can also watch the video below.

Electric

An electric vehicle or EV is solely powered by a battery and must have an outside electric source to charge it. Electric vehicles have no carbon or gasoline emissions and are much quieter. Likewise, they must be plugged in to charged the battery.

To explain how the electrification process works, and how to charge your electric car, watch the video below.

So What Are the Benefits?

The main benefit of a Hybrid and Electric vehicle is the money you will save on gasoline. Everyone loves to save money! With electrification you never have to stop at a gas station for fuel again. Likewise the Hybrid will increase your MPG giving you optimal fuel efficiency. Another benefit is they are both more environmentally friendly. Toyotas electric vehicles do not emit any greenhouse gases. They both receive instant torque when you step on the gas giving you a sportier, fun driving experience. And the ride is much smoother and quieter. Finally the price to purchase Hybrid and Electric vehicles is similar to its gasoline motor competitors.

Hybrid vs Electric, What’s the Difference?

We went over what Hybrid and Electric vehicles are, but here is a recap on the the difference between the two.

• A Hybrid vehicle still uses a gasoline engine where a electric car does not require any sort of fuel source, only electricity to charge the battery
• The batteries in a Hybrid are self charged through regenerative braking where an electric car must be charger from an outside electric source (plugged-in)
• Hybrid is really just a combination between a vehicle who solely relies on gasoline and an electric car. Oxford defines Hybrid as “A thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture”.

Save Money

Purchasing Hybrid and Electric vehicles is similar to buying a new car that only uses gasoline. You will save at the pump with increased fuel efficiency or never having to stop at the pump again. With a Toyota new car purchase you will receive Toyota Care. This plan includes no cost maintenance for 2 years OR 25,000 miles (which ever comes first). Also you can check for tax rebates for purchasing  Hybrid and electric vehicles.

For more ways you can save visit the Fuel Economy Guide.

View our available new Hybrid and Electric vehicles now