Why electric cars over hybrid

Why Hybrid Vehicles Are a Smart Choice Right Now

Hybrid technology has generally meant comparatively higher sticker prices, though fuel savings can defray costs over time. Todays average hybrid costs about $1,700 more, but the Ford Maverick pickup and Lexus NX SUV hybrids actually have lower sticker prices than gas-only versions. The new Lexus RX Hybrid costs the same as a comparably equipped non-hybrid.

In 2015 CR calculated that most hybrids took eight years to pay for themselves through fuel savings, with some, including the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid and Lexus RX450h, taking more than a decade. Today, improved technology and higher gas prices mean the average payback is four years with gas at $3.35 a gallon and 12,000 miles driven a year. At $3 a gallon, the payback period increases to five years. The more miles driven, the quicker the payback.

You may also save money on repairs and maintenance. Case in point: The Prius is often in the top spot in our reliability surveys. A hybrids regenerative brakes create less wear and tear, so braking components can last longer, too. Its true that replacing a hybrid battery can be a big expense, costing on average around $7,400, according to RepairPal, but our surveys show such replacements are rare. Hybrid technology has been very reliable in our studies, Fisher says.

Hybrid owners tell us in surveys that theyd buy their same car again, and 91 percent of the hybrids weve tested are recommended by CR compared with 55 percent for all tested models.

Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations

Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations

All forms of electric vehicles (EVs) can help improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions.

Energy Security

The United States became a net exporter of petroleum in 2020 with exports surpassing imports, although imports of 8.32 million barrels per day in 2022 remained an important part of balancing supply and demand for domestic and international markets. Overall, the transportation sector accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of U.S. petroleum consumption. Using more energy efficient vehicles like hybrid and electric vehicles supports the U.S. economy and helps diversify the U.S. transportation fleet. The multiple fuel sources used to generate electricity results in a more secure energy source for the electrified portion of the transportation sector. All of this adds to our nations energy security.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically use less fuel than similar conventional vehicles because they employ electric-drive technologies to boost vehicle efficiency through regenerative brakingrecapturing energy otherwise lost during braking. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are both capable of being powered solely by electricity, which is produced in the United States from natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, wind energy, hydropower, and solar energy.

Costs

Although energy costs for EVs are generally lower than for similar conventional vehicles, purchase prices can be significantly higher. Prices are likely to equalize with conventional vehicles, as production volumes increase and battery technologies continue to mature. Also, initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, federal tax credits, and state and utility incentives. The federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credits are available are available to consumers, fleets, businesses, and tax-exempt entities investing in new, used, and commercial clean vehiclesincluding all-electric vehicles, PHEVs, fuel cell EVsand EV charging infrastructure. Some states and electric utilities also offer incentives, many of which can be found in the Laws and Incentives database. For more information on available incentives, connect with your local Clean Cities coalition.

Use the Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare lifetime ownership costs of individual models of electric vehicles and conventional vehicles.

Fuel Economy

Electric vehicles can reduce fuel costs dramatically because of the high efficiency of electric-drive components. Because all-electric vehicles and PHEVs rely in whole or part on electric power, their fuel economy is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. Depending on how they are driven, today's light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and can drive 100 miles consuming only 2540 kWh.

HEVs typically achieve better fuel economy and have lower fuel costs than similar conventional vehicles. For example, FuelEconomy.gov lists the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid at an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 50 miles per gallon (MPG), while the estimate for the conventional 2023 Corolla (four cylinder, automatic) is 35 MPG. Use the Find A Car tool on FuelEconomy.gov to compare fuel economy ratings of individual hybrid and conventional models.

The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle, but in the right applications, all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts.

Infrastructure Availability

All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. To safely deliver energy from the electric grid to a vehicles battery, an EV charging station, sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is needed. Drivers can charge overnight at a residence, including multifamily housing, as well as the workplace or a public charging station when available. PHEVs have added flexibility because they can also refuel with gasoline or diesel (or possibly other fuels in the future) when necessary.

Public charging stations are not as ubiquitous as gas stations. Charging equipment manufacturers, automakers, utilities, Clean Cities coalitions, states, municipalities, and government agencies are rapidly establishing a national network of public charging stations. The number of publicly accessible charging stations in the United States reached more than 53,000 in 2023, offering more than 137,000 charging ports, according to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator. Search for electric charging stations near you.

Emissions

Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode. HEV emissions benefits vary by vehicle model and type of hybrid power system.

The life cycle emissions of an electric vehicle depend on the source of the electricity used to charge it, which varies by region. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production, electric vehicles typically have a life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. In regions that depend heavily on conventional electricity generation, electric vehicles may not demonstrate a strong life cycle emissions benefit. Use the Electricity Sources and Emissions Tool to compare fuel-cycle emissions by vehicle type and state.

Batteries

The advanced batteries in electric vehicles are designed for extended life but will wear out eventually. Several manufacturers of electric vehicles are offering 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties. Predictive modeling by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that todays batteries may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates (8 to 12 years in extreme climates). In addition to climate, other factors impacting battery life include driving and charging patterns, battery cell chemistry and design, and the vehicle-battery-environment thermal system.

Check with your dealer for model-specific information about battery life and warranties. Although manufacturers have not published pricing for replacement batteries, some are offering extended warranty programs with monthly fees. If the batteries need to be replaced outside the warranty, it may be a significant expense. Battery prices are expected to continue declining as battery technologies improve and production volumes increase.

Electric Cars Are Better for the Planet and Often Your Budget, Too

Electric vehicles are better for the climate than gas-powered cars, but many Americans are still reluctant to buy them. One reason: The larger upfront cost.

New data published Thursday shows that despite the higher sticker price, electric cars may actually save drivers money in the long-run.

To reach this conclusion, a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology calculated both the carbon dioxide emissions and full lifetime cost including purchase price, maintenance and fuel for nearly every new car model on the market.

They found electric cars were easily more climate friendly than gas-burning ones. Over a lifetime, they were often cheaper, too.

Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile

Traditional gas-powered cars span a range of prices and emissions.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are about the same price as traditional cars, but cut emissions roughly in half.

Electric cars have the lowest cost and emissions over time.

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile

Traditional gas-powered cars span a range of prices and emissions.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles

Electric cars have the lowest cost and emissions over time.

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile

Traditional gas-powered cars span a range of prices and emissions.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are about the same price as traditional cars, but cut emissions roughly in half.

Electric cars have the lowest cost and emissions over time.

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile

Traditional gas-powered cars span a range of prices and emissions.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are about the same price as traditional cars, but cut emissions roughly in half.

Electric cars have the lowest cost and emissions over time.

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Source: carboncounter.com by the MIT Trancik Lab | Note: The chart shows data for new cars, SUVs and other models that retail for $55,000 or less. The most fuel efficient trim for each car is included and additional trim levels are shown for cars over $35,000 if they have a lower fuel economy rating than other trims shown (they are less efficient) by at least 4 miles per gallon.

Climate scientists say vehicle electrification is one of the best ways to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, the transportation sector is the largest source of emissions, most of which come from cars and trucks.

Jessika Trancik, an associate professor of energy studies at M.I.T. who led the research, said she hoped the data would help people learn about how those upfront costs are spread over the lifetime of the car.

For electric cars, lower maintenance costs and the lower costs of charging compared with gasoline prices tend to offset the higher upfront price over time. (Battery-electric engines have fewer moving parts that can break compared with gas-powered engines and they dont require oil changes. Electric vehicles also use regenerative braking, which reduces wear and tear.)

The cars are greener over time, too, despite the more emissions-intensive battery manufacturing process. Dr. Trancik estimates that an electric vehicles production emissions would be offset in anywhere from six to 18 months, depending on how clean the energy grid is where the car is charging.

The new data showed hybrid cars, which run on a combination of fuel and battery power, and can sometimes be plugged in, had more mixed results for both emissions and costs. Some hybrids were cheaper and spewed less planet-warming carbon dioxide than regular cars, but others were in the same emissions and cost range as gas-only vehicles.

Traditional gas-burning cars were usually the least climate friendly option, though long-term costs and emissions spanned a wide range. Compact cars were usually cheaper and more efficient, while gas-powered SUVs and luxury sedans landed on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Dr. Tranciks team released the data in an interactive online tool to help people quantify the true costs of their car-buying decisions both for the planet and their budget. The new estimates update a study published in 2016 and add to a growing body of research underscoring the potential lifetime savings of electric cars.

Comparing individual cars can be useful and sometimes surprising.

Toyota RAV4 XLE

Retail: $27,450

Average carbon dioxide

emissions per mile

Nissan Altima

Retail: $26,800

The hybrid is cheaper and has lower emissions over time, despite the higher price tag.

Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid

Retail: $28,500

The electric Tesla and gas- powered Nissan end up costing about the same over time.

Tesla Model 3

Retail: $37,990

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile

Toyota RAV4 XLE

Retail: $27,450

Nissan Altima

Retail: $26,800

The hybrid is cheaper and has lower emissions over time, despite the higher price tag.

Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid

Retail: $28,500

The electric Tesla and gas- powered Nissan end up costing about the same.

Tesla Model 3

Retail: $37,990

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile

Toyota RAV4 XLE

Retail: $27,450

Nissan Altima

Retail: $26,800

The hybrid is cheaper and has lower emissions over time, despite the higher price tag.

Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid

Retail: $28,500

The electric Tesla and gas- powered Nissan end up costing about the same.

Tesla Model 3

Retail: $37,990

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel

Source: carboncounter.com by the M.I.T. Trancik Lab | Note: For their calculations, the M.I.T. researchers assumed each car would last 15 years and drive an average of 13,000 miles per year. The most closely comparable drivetrain and trim levels are shown in each vehicle pairing in this chart.

Take the Tesla Model 3, the most popular electric car in the United States. The M.I.T. team estimated the lifetime cost of the most basic model as comparable to a Nissan Altima that sells for $11,000 less upfront. (Thats even though Teslas federal tax incentive for electric vehicles has ended.)

Toyotas Hybrid RAV4 S.U.V. also ends up cheaper in the long run than a similar traditional RAV4, a national bestseller, despite a higher retail price.

The charts above use nationwide average prices for gasoline and electricity to estimate lifetime costs, but the results may shift depending on where potential buyers live. (The interactive tool allows users to input their local rates.)

Hawaii, Alaska and parts of New England have some of the highest average electricity costs, while parts of the Midwest, West and South tend to have lower rates. Gas prices are lower along the Gulf Coast and higher in California. But an analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists still found that charging a vehicle was more cost effective than filling up at the pump across 50 major American cities. We saw potential savings everywhere, said David Reichmuth, a senior engineer for the groups Clean Transportation Program.

Still, the upfront cost of an electric vehicle continues to be a barrier for many would-be owners.

The federal government offers a tax credit for some new electric vehicle purchases, but that does nothing to reduce the initial purchase price and does not apply to used cars. That means it disproportionately benefits wealthier Americans. Some states, like California, offer additional incentives. President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. has pledged to offer rebates that help consumers swap inefficient, old cars for cleaner new ones, and to create 500,000 more electric vehicle charging stations, too.

Chris Gearhart, director of the Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, said electric cars will become more price competitive in coming years as battery prices drop. At the same time, new technologies to reduce exhaust emissions are making traditional cars more expensive. With that trajectory, you can imagine that even immediately at the purchase price level, certain smaller sedans could reach purchase price parity in the next couple of years, Dr. Gearhart said.