Gas Vs Hybrid Vs Electric Vehicle - What is Right for You?

Roberta Willson • January 4, 2022

New Year, new you? New Year's resolutions are commonplace for this time of year. Your New Year’s resolution might be related to better health, eating habits, financial goals or even career related. If you are looking into a vehicle purchase (new or used), you might be thinking about what kind of vehicle makes the most sense for you in this New Year. 


We are not looking to tell you what to do, every person has different needs and goals when it comes to a vehicle. We are here to present you with some facts, pros and cons of purchasing a gas vehicle versus a hybrid versus an electric vehicle.


Gas Vehicle 


Standard gas vehicles operate with either diesel gas, natural fuel or gasoline. Although changes have been made and improvements have made these vehicles better for the environment, this is how vehicles have been made since they switched to gas. 


Pros and Cons


Pros:

  • Gas vehicles currently cost less than similar electric and hybrids
  • Gas may offer lower maintenance costs than electric 
  • Average range of 300-400 miles (on a full tank of gas)
  • More power for accelerating and towing/hauling
  • Easy to fuel up – gas stations are plentiful


Cons:

  • Emissions contribute to pollution
  • Powered by gas, a non-renewable resource


Hybrid Vehicle


Hybrid vehicles have regular or plug-in hybrids. They typically use gas and electricity. 


Pros and Cons


Pros: 

  • No need for plug-in charging
  • Less worry about driving range thanks to the gas-powered motor
  • Less pricey than an electric vehicle 
  • Increased fuel economy
  • Less gas use means fewer emissions
  • Resale value can be higher

Cons:

  • Less energy-efficient than an electric vehicle 
  • Less smooth and quiet than an electric vehicle 
  • Oil changes and engine maintenance required
  • Higher purchase price
  • Costly to repair due to technology used
  • Less power for accelerating

Electric Vehicle  


An all-electric vehicle comes with a high voltage battery pack instead of a gas tank. It also has an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. 


Pros:

  • Smooth, quiet acceleration
  • Electricity costs less per mile than gasoline
  • Typically no need to fill up a gas tank 
  • No tailpipe – no pollution
  • Fewer parts to replace
  • Less routine maintenance – no oil changes
  • Resale value can be higher
  • Convenience – can charge at home

Cons:

  • Limited driving range -limited to 60-120 miles, but improving with each model year
  • More expensive than comparable hybrid or gas vehicles
  • Constant searches for charging stations
  • Installation of a home charging station might be needed
  • Charging time – can take 4-8 hours to completely charge
  • Batteries costly – can cost $1,000-4,000 to replace the battery pack 
  • Smaller vehicle = reduced seating capacity

Summary

Ultimately, the decision is yours. We have the privilege of living in a place that offers many different options and solutions depending on what your needs are. Just remember to figure out what is most important to you, your budget, and your needs - then you can decide which vehicle option is best for you. If you need any help, R. H. Willson is here to help.

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