Hybrid vs. Electric Car in 2023: Which One Should You Choose?

Hybrid vs. Electric Car in 2023: Which One Should You Choose?

Posted on January 4, 2022

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are very on-trend right now, but what’s a better purchase now: an EV or a Hybrid?  Whether for financial, environmental, or lifestyle reasons, making the switch from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to an electric one is top of mind for many Canadians.

How do you decide which is a better investment to make now?  You should take into account your driving habits, ability to charge a plug-in vehicle at home, and of course budget.

How Often Do You Drive?

EVs have come a long way in recent years with how much range they offer per charge.  Still though, if you’re someone who is consistently driving long distances, you may be hesitant to go full EV.

Hybrid vehicles offer drivers the best of both worlds: excellent efficiency in city driving and the freedom to travel long distances with a gasoline engine.

Consider your usual week: if it’s simply commuting to and from work and running errands on weekends, an EV is a great idea.  You’ll save money on gas and will easily be able to get through your day’s tasks on a single charge.

If your job entails a lot of time on the road, or you drive several hours up north to the cottage every other weekend, a hybrid may be more your speed.  At least for now.

Can You Pay For & Install an EV Charger?

EVs can be charged using the hydro from your home but do need a special charger installed.  Depending on the style of charger and your living situation, this may be a costly upgrade to make.  If you live in an apartment, you won’t even have the option of installing a car charger, nor would you really want to if you don’t own the property. If you're in this situation, the hybrid vs. electric car debate favours the hybrid.

While there are plug-in hybrid options, there are also some that recharge their batteries while the gasoline engine is in use.  In that case, you wouldn’t need to worry about installing a costly charger.

What's Your Budget?

It can be difficult to make the comparison for your budget between these two types of vehicles.  On one hand, hybrids generally have a much lower sticker price than fully electric vehicles do.  They do still come with the cost of gas (although less than an ICE vehicle would be), and engine maintenance.

EVs have a higher cost up front, but savings on gas and maintenance down the road is enough to sway some buyers.  Because not only are you saving money, but time and energy.  Think about all those windy/rainy/snowy/icy/humid afternoons standing at the gas pump filling up.  Then think about never doing it again.  Seems pretty great, right?

Once you’ve assessed your situation, only you can make the decision of what’s right for you between a hybrid vs. electric car.  Both options have pros and cons, so weigh them up before you make the switch.

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