Hybrid vs. EV: Which is Better to Buy?

Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs are the most approachable forms of alternative-fuel transportation, but which one is right for you? #KBB

[carmix]

In the end, hybrid cars have the best features of gasoline and EVs, and have the most positive impact on the environment. Europe and the United States have been promoting EVs nationally in the hope of crushing Japanese manufacturers, but this seems to have ended in failure. Toyota Chairman Toyoda's statement was correct.

[rustbeltrobclassic]

I've owned a GM Phev, and two ford HEV's and now a Toyota HEV, in my experience, unless it's a lexus or toyota HEV, it's not worth it.. The GM spent 90% of it's time being repaired, the Ford's never worked right, they had constant electrical issues.. by comparison the toyota has been bulletproof..

[ctclardy]

Toyota has been ahead of the curve on this... they have pretty much held back on pure EV (BEV) production and are pushing hybrids that give the consumer the best of both worlds, excellent fuel economy without the range anxiety... plus, you can build 90 hybrids for every BEV and still cut down on emissions drastically... 1 BEV will remove ~ 4 tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year while 90 hybrids will remove ~ 140 tons each year... I'm for BEVs, however, I believe the market should dictate their viability in the marketplace, not government mandates... if BEVs are to succeed they should have to satisfy the consumer in the marketplace, not force them to buy something that doesn't work for them.

[sarabeth]

PHEVs are the best. HEVs next. BEVs are OK as an extra car and if you have a garage to charge it. That's the reason BEV sales are plunging (including Tesla) while PHEV and HEV sales are dominating.

[Anthony-hcib]

Prius car of the year. RAV4 hybrid there is no comparison. Resale value is more important than anything besides reliability. Japanese all the way

[davidwolf]

Hybrids make a whole hell of a lot of sense. Much more practical than those crappy full EVs. I know this from my own personal experience.

[Megatron-slus]

Hybrids, right now, are superior to any EV when it comes to longevity. Hybrids gets superior range, can refuel anywhere, cost of maintenance is low, replacing the electric battery isn't as expensive as an EV battery, cost of buying a hybrid is cheaper than EVs. You can take a hybrid to a regular mechanic, etc.

EVs are expensive to buy right now, low range, long time to recharge, battery replacement is extremely expensive, etc. No independent mechanics fix EVs, as you're forced to get it fixed at the dealership. Many EV charging stations break down, or some don't even work properly. EVs get terrible range or die in cold weather, and if the battery is submerged in water, many EVs batteries die. The positive side is they're faster than hybrids.

[asean]

Last week, a BENZ EQE parked in the underground parking lot of an apartment building in South Korea spontaneously combusted, burning and damaging 783 cars in the parking lot. There are many buildings in South Korea that do not have sprinklers, so signs prohibiting the use of electric vehicles have been posted everywhere, and the trade-in market for used electric vehicles has plummeted, bringing sales to a fatal halt.

[EyeoftheTiger]

I bought a brand new 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE a couple of months ago. It gets 58 mpg and can run for 650 miles without needing to refuel. I get that $7, 500 tax credit for fuel efficient cars that I’ll claim on my federal income taxes too. 🔥 I bought it cash too, no auto loans.

[nhoknmy]

As a Engineer with experience in automobile i would say
REV is only best options for North America.
Few secret drawbacks that dealer won't say
EV:
¤ Capacity drops to 50% in winter.
¤ Battery won't last more than 10 years.
¤ Cost of replacing components
¤ Insurance cost, charging time,
¤ Level 2 charging cost
¤ Other subscription cost
PHEV:
¤ No better fuel economy
¤ Very expensive maintenance cost
¤ All cons of EV + low ev only range.
HEV:
¤ Same as IC Engine with added weight
¤ Regen Brake needs replacement/repair after 5 years
REV:
¤ No local mechanic can fix
¤ as of now only 1 suv in USA, while other countries have more.
My suggestion is wait for market to change as something big going to come (more REV)

[beautyofgrace]

Just bought 2018 Chevy Volt really enjoying it. I love being able to use the ev or gas.

[Tdot]

Right now if I plan to own a car for 10+ years it would be a Toyota hybrid. I would only lease a BEV. The BEV battery tech, lack of infrastructure in Canada, and out of warranty repair (lack of small garages capable of fixing BEVs) is too risky.

[keithroby]

Hybrids all day long i have 2 and both very good mpg ionic for taxi and niro for social use and no range anxiety

[jamemee]

I heard a lot people compain about EV take 30 to 45 minute to Charge + long line to waiting unlike Hybrid take 5 minute to charge

[milkovas]

BB please give us the whole picture don't just highlight the appealing part . Tell us about the maintenance and shop visit, who can work on them and cost of corse. My car need all change but all chage is $40 bucks for full synthetic and my acura is 330k as I am typing.

[silvershadow]

You didn't touch on the ridiculous pricing for replacement batteries (tesla is about $20, 000) or what happens if the protective plate is damaged. Also check out when the weather is really cold..like now in Chicago where there are dead EVs due to the cold. Their range is also significantly reduced when really cold. Oh, and don't forget to wash all the salt off the bottom so it won't cause a fire when it dries if it comes in contact with the battery packs.

[Ethans]

I hope you are getting good yield on the money saved on oil changes, because it's going to be $25k for a battery in a few years.

[oldebill]

What are the comparative total cost of ownership between ICE, HEV, & BEVs? Also, does the increased complexity of having gas and battery technology lead to increased maintenance costs and/or higher failure rates?

[sophaman]

Hybrid is much better no headache looking for a charging station yes i know electric car don't need to do much maintenance like Hybrid cars but if electric car battery running out after 8 years warranty expires how much will cost to replace it don't tell me will cost 5 or 10 thousand you have to prepare 15 to 25 thousands to replace it like the hybrid cars battery cost a lot less like i owned a toyota hybrid toyota give 10 years or 240 000 kilometers warranty on the hybrid battery and after 10 years if the battery die will cost me to replace a brand new battery between 3500 to 5000 dollars if the rebuild one will cost around 1500 to 2500 dollars

[menguardingtheirownwallets]

I like electric vehicles, but if I hit a rock on the road it cost $65, 000 to replace the battery in the $50, 000 Hyundai EV, so where is the cost savings there?