What Are The Differences Between Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and Electric Cars?

Car manufacturers like Hyundai are constantly coming up with new powertrain technologies, and sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between them. If you’re looking for a new hybrid for sale in the Valley Stream area, you might be wondering what differentiates hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. If that describes you, read on!

What’s a Hybrid Car?

For these vehicles, “hybrid” refers to the fact that the powertrain uses both gasoline and electric motors. However, a hybrid car is 100% gasoline-fueled and uses electric motors to save fuel when possible.

When you press the brake pedal, the electric motor becomes a generator, charging a battery using regenerative power from the wheels. The next time you accelerate the battery powers the motor to move the vehicle, saving gasoline.

Popular examples of hybrid cars include the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

What’s an Electric Car?

On the other end of the powertrain continuum, electric vehicles (EVs) run completely on electricity. Instead of filling up with gasoline at the pump, they’re charged via a specially-designed power cable, either using your home’s electricity or a charging station’s.

While battery power and capacity are improving all the time – the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, coming soon to dealers, can get up to 300 miles on a single charge – you’ll still need to find a charging station on long road trips. However, charging stations are being built all the time, and most manufacturers offer an app in the EV’s infotainment system to help you find one.

Electric cars can provide a better driving experience, as well. Electric motors are quieter and more powerful than internal combustion engines, as well as being simpler and easier to maintain. Buying an electric vehicle like the Hyundai Kona or Hyundai Ioniq, can be a good investment, especially with the available federal tax benefits.

What’s a Plug-In Hybrid?

A plug-in hybrid (or PHEV) is a compromise between the efficiency of a fully electric and the ease of use of a gasoline vehicle. PHEVs work basically like hybrids, but with larger batteries that can be charged at home or a station, giving them an all-electric range before using a drop of gas.

So you can drive your daily commute, or cart the kids to school, without using gas, plus you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with a gas motor on road trips. Even in gas mode, a PHEV works like a hybrid, meaning it gets great gas mileage too.

Plug-in Hybrid models include the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, and more.

Electric vs. Hybrid: What’s Right For You?

If you’re concerned about the environment, want to be an early adopter for the next wave in car technology, or just want an efficient, quiet, and comfortable ride, an electric or plug-in hybrid are great choices, especially if your driving is generally local.

If you’re a road tripper, or travel fairly often, you’ll want to do some research about ranges and the charging station availability in your area before springing for an EV. Hybrids and PHEVs have less to worry about with range, while still providing high efficiency.

Another factor to consider is price. Plug-in hybrids are more expensive than hybrids, and electric cars are still more expensive (though tax credits can offset that cost somewhat). Which of the three you choose involves a weighing of pros and cons of each option, and thinking about how you drive and how far.

 Hyundai Hybrids for Sale near New York

Whichever powertrain you choose, South Shore Hyundai has the car for you! When you’re searching for hybrid or electric vehicles in Valley Stream, Elmont, West Hempstead, or elsewhere in the New York area, come to our lot to see our wide selection of new and used Hyundai hybrids for sale.

Our friendly staff will help you find the ideal hybrid, PHEV, or EV for you, and our finance department will ensure you get a great deal on a used or new Hyundai hybrid. And our service department will help keep your vehicle in top shape for years to come! Come see us, give us a call, or make an appointment online today!

Tags: Hyundai Electric Vehicles, Hyundai Hybrid For Sale, Hyundai Hybrids, Hyundai Plug in Hybrids
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