Cars of the future: Hybrid and Electric.
The UK car industry is changing at a rapid rate and with more consideration for sustainability, hybrid and electric vehicle types are becoming an increasingly popular staple on British roads. As of August 2023, there were 850,000 fully electric cars on the road and 27.8% of new cars sold were either plug-in hybrid or electric; in just this month alone and counting.
By 2030, the UK government plans to commit an astounding £500 million in funding to assist in the development of “zero emission vehicles.” Currently hybrid and electric cars are the most environmentally sustainable option for drivers, compared to current petrol and diesel cars, as they generate less carbon output.
But what’s the distinction between the two and how do you find out which is better, and which is the best choice for your future car?
Whether you want to switch for environmental reasons or save more on monthly expenditures in the long run, look no further, for you’ll find the answer and more on the matter here.
In basic terms, a hybrid car is car with a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor(s). However, what makes hybrid vehicles different is they consume less fuel than a traditional petrol or diesel car by using a mix of both electricity and petrol/diesel fuel to function.
In comparison to this, an electric car is powered solely by electricity and does not run on petrol or diesel at all. Depending on the electric vehicle (EV), there are also many different methods of charging; some such as, plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) or battery electric vehicles (BEV).
Differentiating between hybrid and electric vehicles can be difficult as there is a lot of crossover, and selling points for both are their great efficiency, comfortability and going green. To understand why their differences make them unique, it is important to look at hybrid cars vs electric cars as individuals, their highs and lows, and reinstate the value they offer in terms of efficient driving to find out which of the two is best suited for you.
Hybrid cars have been around for a while and always offer that familiar car feel drivers crave without the bigger downsides of traditional petrol and diesel cars.
For an electric-motor powered car, there is lots of overlap already taking place with electric whilst still retaining the same driving experience you are used to.
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Currently in the UK, Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is increasing massively, with a large percentage of drivers switching from petrol or diesel vehicles to electric vehicles causing a surge in EV charging stations available, such as at-home, public and fast-charging stations.
That means easy access to fast charging stations is improving up and down the country on your commutes.
You can also track where your nearest EV charging station is via the Zap Map ;a free digitised service showing charging destination.
Planning out your car maintenance routine can also be made stress-free and without the fuel fees.
Now we’ve outlined the “driving force” behind the surge in electric car popularity, what are the pros and cons that come with having an electric vehicle?
Having investigated into the pros and cons of the popular hybrid and electric cars, is hybrid the future of cars, or electric?
And ultimately, which is better? The answer lies in preference.
When considering electric vehicles, reflect upon their main selling point: running on 100% electricity and their regular charging. Is this a factor you are willing to account for?
Since 2015, there has been acceleration in public EV charging stations available. Currently, from as recent as July 2023, 44,020 additional public EV charging devices have been installed in the UK. Something to consider, however, is the higher need for frequent charging due to EVs being run purely by electricity. But with easy-access public charging stations across the UK, as well as fast charging times, it all comes to personal preference and if EVs work for you and your everyday routine on the road.
Think of it this way: Electric vehicles save on maintenance costs in the long run, saving you more money that would otherwise disappear on fuel costs. If you want to save on maintenance bills and are secure enough in your routine to manage charging times, this may be the better option for you.
In contrast, when considering hybrid vehicles, reflect upon its strong features: its electric motor and similarity with petrol and diesel cars, with the obvious less fuel use and even less emission output.
If you are looking for a car that can offer the same comfortability of petrol or diesel driving with more efficient benefits that won’t impact your regular routine, then this may be a better vehicle for you.
If you are still struggling to decide where the future of your new car lies, relook at the advantages and disadvantages we’ve outlined for each and compare again for yourself.
Look
at which electric and hybrid cars are currently available with Foray to find
the car that’s right for you.
Foray understands the benefits of switching to an alternative car - whether it’s a hybrid or electric vehicle, the current market for zero emission cars has never been better.
