29 Jul 2024

Hybrid vs electric cars: What’s the best choice?

Are you considering joining the growing ranks of electric car drivers? You’re not alone. There are now more than 180,000 electric or hybrid-electric vehicles on Aussie roads. In just a year, new EV purchases have more than doubled. 

But when it comes to hybrid versus electric cars, which one should you choose? There are upsides and downsides to both, and it really comes down to personal preference and how you use your car.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of electric and hybrid cars to help you decide which option is best for you.

What’s an electric car?   

An electric vehicle (EV)    – also known as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) – is a pure electric vehicle that runs on battery power. 
EVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of internal combustion engines (ICEs) for propulsion, which means they don’t have an internal combustion engine, fuel cell, or fuel tank. 
Some BEV’s do have a petrol-powered range extender, which generates additional charge to the battery system and can provide further range if needed

Pros of EVs

Pure EVs are an increasingly popular choice with drivers. From eliminating your car’s carbon footprint to cost-savings and government incentives, the benefits are seeing many people make the switch to electric. Here are just a few of the advantages of driving an EV:

Reduced carbon footprint

EVs have zero tailpipe emissions (yes, you read that right), making them a much better option for the environment. By driving an EV, you can do your bit to reduce air pollution and cut down your carbon footprint.

Smooth operators

Many drivers love EVs for their quiet operation and super smooth ride. Because they don’t have a combustion engine like traditional cars, there’s less noise and vibration, making for a more relaxing driving experience.

Government incentives

There are loads of government incentives for EV drivers, including tax rebates and exemptions. These incentives can significantly reduce the overall cost of both leasing or owning an electric car. You can learn more about these incentives in the government’s Green Vehicle Guide.

We also have some simple to understand FAQs that include information on the Electric Vehicle Discount and the FBT exemption that’s available on EVs – click here to find out more > 

Serious savings

Incentives aren’t the only way EVs save you money. Choosing an EV can work out much cheaper than driving hybrid or traditional cars in the long run. Why? Electricity is usually less expensive than petrol or diesel, and maintenance costs are typically lower than for other types of vehicles, because EVs have fewer moving parts.

Jump the queue

Live in New South Wales? Lucky you: Driving an EV means you can drive in T2 and T3 lanes – even if you’re riding solo. 

Cons of EVs

While the pros outweigh the cons, there are a couple of drawbacks to driving EVs to consider when deciding if an EV is right for you. Here are some of the main disadvantages of driving an electric car:

Limited range

One of the main drawbacks of EVs is their limited range (the distance you can drive) compared to traditional vehicles and “range anxiety” can be a concern for some potential drivers. But many of the EV models sold in Australia can drive up to 400km – which is quite far when you consider the Aussie driver only drives on average around 33km a day.

Charging infrastructure

While the number of charging stations is growing fast, there aren’t as many charging stations around the country as petrol stations, which could make long-distance travel more challenging for EV drivers. Long distance travel is do-able…you just need to plan ahead.

Want to know more about charging – we recommend you read our blog on decoding charging > 

Waiting time

Recharging an EV takes longer than refuelling a petrol car. Even with fast chargers, it can take around 30 minutes to an hour to get a significant charge (around 80%) whereas a full charge at home can take up to several hours.

Higher initial cost

EVs tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to their petrol or hybrid counterparts. However, this can be offset by their lower running costs and government incentives. 

What’s a hybrid car?

Hybrid vehicles use a combination of battery power and petrol or diesel. There are two types of hybrid vehicles: non plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Unlike PHEVs, non plug-in HEVs don’t need to be manually charged.

Pros of hybrid vehicles

Hybrid cars offer drivers a more sustainable and fuel-efficient option than a combustion engine-only car. Here are some of the main benefits of driving a hybrid car:

Fuel efficiency

Hybrids are much more fuel-efficient than traditional petrol or diesel cars – using less than 7 litres of fuel per 100km. They can switch between the petrol engine and electric motor, optimising fuel use and reducing carbon emissions.

Extended range

Because hybrids aren’t just powered by electricity, they have a much longer range and can be refuelled quickly at any petrol station. This gives you the flexibility to drive on electric power for short trips and the petrol engine for longer ones.

Reduced emissions

While hybrids do produce exhaust emissions, they’re much lower than those produced by petrol or diesel-only vehicles, which means drivers can still reduce their carbon footprints.

Driving incentives

Like EVs, there are plenty of government incentives to encourage people to drive hybrids (especially PHEVs), including tax exemptions and discounts on stamp duty and/or registration charges on hybrid vehicles in many states. Check out the government’s Green Vehicle Guide for more information on incentives.

Great savings

Similar to EVs, some plug-in hybrids are eligible for the Australia Government Electric Vehicle Discount and the FBT exemption, when they are leased, which could save you thousands. Click here to find out more > 

(Unfortunately, non plug-in hybrid models are not eligible for the FBT exemption, but you can still lease them and you could save thousands!). 

Cons of hybrid vehicles

While hybrids offer several benefits, there are a few downsides and it’s important to weigh the cons against the pros when deciding if a hybrid car is the right choice for you. Here are some of the main drawbacks of driving a hybrid car:

Higher maintenance costs

Because hybrids have both a petrol engine and an electric motor, they could have higher maintenance costs compared to pure EVs or traditional cars. The dual powertrain system in hybrids can be more complex and potentially more prone to issues than a single power source system.

Less eco-friendly than EVs

While hybrids are more environmentally friendly than traditional cars, they do still rely on fossil fuels and produce emissions, unlike fully electric vehicles. This means that, while you are reducing your carbon footprint when you hit the road, you’re not eliminating it altogether.

Initial cost

Hybrids are generally more expensive than conventional cars, although they’re often cheaper than EVs. However, the fuel savings can offset the initial higher cost over time.

Final thoughts: Hybrid versus electric cars

Choosing between a hybrid and an electric car depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you're looking for a vehicle with zero emissions and lower running costs, an EV might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a car with longer range and more flexibility to power up when you need to, wherever you need to, a hybrid could be a better option.

At FleetPartners, we are here to help you find the best solution for you. Whether you’re looking for a car for personal use on a Novated Lease, several vehicle for your small or medium business on an Operating Lease, or a fully leased and managed solution for your entire EV fleet of company cars, feel free to reach out to our team for more information and assistance in choosing between an EV or hybrid and check out our FAQs.