Is It Better to Buy a Hybrid Vehicle or Electric Vehicle in 2024?

December 22nd, 2023

So, you’re looking to purchase an eco-friendly car in 2024?

That’s awesome!

There are so many fantastic options available right now that all help you to do your part to protect our environment.

Of course, one of the most common questions we’re getting right now is:

Should I buy a hybrid or electric vehicle in 2024?

That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to give you a better understanding of the differences between electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as what else you need to know to make the right decision.

So, buckle up, and let’s get into it.

Remind me: How does an Electric Vehicle work?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) substitute a traditional internal combustion engine for an electric motor that’s powered by a battery mounted in the car. The battery is then charged by being plugged into an EV charging station or wall outlet.

We now also have Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in Australia as well that are powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell, as opposed to an onboard battery.

While these are not as popular as traditional Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) just yet, they are starting to gain more momentum – especially as refuelling them can take just a fraction of the time it takes to recharge a BEV.

How does a Hybrid Vehicle work?

Hybrid Vehicles combine traditional petrol/diesel engines with an electric propulsion system to provide two distinguishable power sources that can quickly adapt to your driving style.

As an example, the internal combustion engine will typically kick in on highways, while the electric motor will take over at slower speeds around suburban streets.

There are three main types of hybrid vehicles:

Standard hybrids

These alternate automatically between petrol/diesel and electric power, which is charged while the car runs on fuel.

Plug-in hybrids

The electric power source charges from an external port to give the car a greater electric-only range.

Mild hybrids

These vehicles come with a small internal battery pack typically to provide a boost in performance or economy.

What are the main differences between Electric and Hybrid Vehicles?

Aside from their power source, there are a few key differences between electric and hybrid vehicles that may have an impact on your final decision:

Refuelling

Hybrid vehicles can be fuelled with petrol or diesel, and the battery is typically recharged by the engine while driving. Electric vehicles must be charged with an external power source.

Emissions

Hybrids produce fewer emissions than traditional cars, while fully electric vehicles produce zero emissions.

Range

A hybrid vehicle has no set range as long as fuel access exists. An electric vehicle’s range is limited by its battery capacity, which is important to consider when taking longer trips.

Cost

Hybrid vehicles are typically cheaper than EVs to purchase, however, ongoing maintenance costs can be much higher over the life of the car.

As you can see, there are several pros and cons to each type of vehicle, and one of the most important things to consider when making your decision is accessibility to EV charging stations – especially if you like to take longer driving trips.

How easy is it to recharge your electric vehicle EV in Australia?

Currently, there are more than 3000 dedicated electric vehicle charging points in Australia – with more than a third of them located in NSW.

While this is not a huge amount for a country the size of Australia, the infrastructure will continue to be developed over time to make our roads much more EV-friendly.

Of course, if charging your car is a concern to you, you always have the option of buying a hybrid that can also run on petrol or diesel if EV charging stations are lacking.

It’s worth noting here that our State and Federal governments have created several EV incentives as well to make purchasing an electric vehicle more attractive to more people. This is something you should consider when making your decision.

So, should you buy a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle in 2024?

At the end of the day, the choice of whether to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle in 2024 is really up to you. Make sure to consider why you need the vehicle and how you intend to use it when making your decision.

That being said, if you do need extra help in finding the right vehicle for you, Private Fleet can help.

Find the right eco-friendly vehicle at the right price with Private Fleet

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase but as a private buyer.

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying your next hybrid or electric vehicle in 2024 will be as straightforward as possible for you.

Shopping for a car is an enjoyable process – let us make it hassle-free, too.

Reach out to us today for a seamless and simple car-buying experience.