Hybrid vs Electric Cars

First things first, let’s understand what is a hybrid car. In the simplest terms, a hybrid car is the one that can derive its power from both petrol and electricity. In other words, it has both petrol and electric engines. In some cases, hybrid cars have gasoline engines and electric motor engines.

More often than not, a hybrid car is designed to charge its battery using the petrol engine. However, it is important to know that in some cases, the role of a hybrid car’s petrol engine is only to charge its battery. Whereas, in some cases, the wheels are driven directly by petrol engines, and the electric engines act as a support or backup. But, there are many advantages of hybrid vehicles.

To know the differences between hybrid and electric cars, it’s crucial to know the functioning of an electric car. Electric cars or Electric Vehicles – also known as EVs – derive their power from a battery-operated electric motor.

The principal difference between a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle is that, unlike hybrid cars, electric cars have no petrol or diesel engines. That is why they emit zero emissions. Hence, electric cars are the most eco-friendly mobility option available to commuters.

As mentioned, the main difference between hybrid and electric cars is that the former possesses both internal combustion petrol or gasoline engines as well as electric engines. These cars derive their power using one or both types of motors. On the other hand, an electric car possesses only electric engines, which propel the vehicle.

Let’s discuss the differences between the two types of cars based on some other parameters:

• Charging of battery

A point of difference between a hybrid and an electric vehicle is that a hybrid car can charge its battery automatically using the petrol engine, whereas an electric car’s battery has to be charged using outside power sources.

Electric cars are equipped with power sockets like any other electronic appliance where you can plug in the charger to charge the battery. Hybrid cars have no such provisions since they can charge their batteries automatically.

• Range and fuel efficiency

As compared to electric cars, hybrid cars in India offer longer ranges or distances. The reason behind this is that they carry both electric and internal combustion motors, which help in achieving long ranges until you need to refuel your car again. Thus, this is one of the benefits of hybrid cars.

On the other hand, an electric car carries only battery-powered motors, and hence, it offers limited ranges before its battery dies. However, modern-day electric cars are equipped with long-lasting batteries that can deliver a range of 200 to 300 kilometres on a single charge.

Talking about fuel efficiency, electric cars are the cheaper option since they do not require refuelling time and again. However, hybrid cars in India are known for delivering better fuel efficiency than most conventional petrol and diesel cars.

• Emission levels

Although the emission levels of hybrid cars are lower as compared to conventional cars, they are not negligible. In addition, since they use fuel-powered motors to run or charge their batteries, they emit some smoke into the environment.

On the other hand, electric cars are the most eco-friendly mobility option as they emit zero emissions. These cars run solemnly on batteries, and hence, they do not release any emissions. This is the reason why several Governments are focussing on increasing electric mobility in their countries to curb air pollution.

• Pricing

There are huge differences in the pricing of hybrid and electric cars. While hybrid cars are priced similar to conventional petrol and diesel cars, electric cars are priced a bit higher. It’s because electric cars contain powerful batteries that are very expensive at the current date. But on the other hand, the auto-charge batteries used in hybrid cars aren’t that costly.

As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, having at least a third-party car insurance policy is mandatory for every car owner in India. And the rule is applicable irrespective of the type of car. So it means that no matter if you purchase a hybrid car or an electric car, buying a third-party four-wheeler insurance policy, would be mandatory for you. With Tata AIG, the process of purchasing a car insurance policy is easy. You can opt for third-party insurance online on our website.

However, if you want financial protection for your car against any damage or mishaps, you can also purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy. Although such policies are a bit expensive, they cover your car against natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes, floods, storms, fire, theft, and road accidents.

If you want to buy car insurance for your hybrid or electric car, you can visit our website and enter your car’s basic details. Our comprehensive car insurance policies provide the highest level of protection to your cars at affordable premiums.

By now, you know what does a hybrid car means, and the advantages of hybrid vehicles and electric cars must be clear to you, and you should be able to decide what would be the best for you. Of course, if you want to opt for an eco-friendly and affordable option, hybrid cars are the best; however, if you can spend a bit more for availing of the latest technology, you can have a look at the electric cars as well.