Subaru Guide to Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles
Due to a growing focus on environmental issues, advancements in technology, and expansion of infrastructure to support more sustainable transportation, drivers are becoming more interested in owning hybrid and/or electric vehicles (EVs). Hybrids, which combine a gasoline-powered combustion engine with an electric motor, provide a transitional step toward going fully electric, while EVs rely entirely on battery power.
Depending on your lifestyle needs, driving habits, and sustainability goals, you may be exploring whether a hybrid vs. EV is best for you. To make an informed decision, we’ll cover key details and differences between the two vehicle types.
Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicle Technology Overview
While EVs and hybrid vehicles both help reduce your carbon footprint, the technology behind how they do it differs.
What is an Electric Vehicle?
Electric vehicles run solely on electric power, using rechargeable battery packs to fuel one or more electric motors. They’re sometimes also referred to as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
BEV technology offers a zero-emissions alternative to internal combustion engines and requires no gasoline to operate. Instead, owners use at-home chargers or public charging stations to replenish the battery.
EVs are capable of running entirely on electricity, but only BEVs, like the Subaru Solterra and Trailseeker produce absolutely no tailpipe emissions and require no oil changes over the life of the car.
What is a Hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles, including mild hybrids and full hybrids (sometimes called “strong hybrids”), blend EV technology and an internal combustion engine to deliver improved efficiency and lower emissions without completely abandoning the convenience of gasoline power. Hybrid technology uses kinetic energy to charge the battery through regenerative braking, coasting, and decelerating while the vehicle is in operation.
Both mild hybrids and full hybrids automatically switch between running on an electric motor or gasoline engine to optimize efficiency depending on power needs and other conditions.
Mild hybrids have smaller, less powerful electric motors, compared to full hybrids. A mild hybrid’s engine can’t fully power a vehicle, but it is useful in certain conditions, such as ignition and accelerating at low speeds.
By contrast, a full hybrid has a larger electric battery and stronger engine, capable of powering the car for short trips without engaging the combustion engine. Full hybrids typically cost more than mild hybrids, but offer more power and greater fuel economy.
The Subaru Forester Hybrid and the Crosstrek Hybrid are a part of our commitment to safe, sustainable driving. With an advanced hybrid powertrain and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, these hybrid SUVs will be able to seamlessly deliver an efficient performance without any loss in the capabilities you can expect from a Subaru.
EV vs. Hybrid: Efficiency and Performance
Vehicle performance and efficiency are important when choosing between a hybrid car vs. electric car.
EV Efficiency
EVs are more fuel-efficient than hybrid vehicles since they run entirely on electric power and can recharge their batteries using kinetic energy from regenerative braking. EVs also offer a powerful, responsive driving experience, delivering instant torque and smooth acceleration. In addition, EVs provide even more efficiency and power advantages.
- Consistent power output across all types of driving conditions allows for optimal efficiency whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating rush hour traffic.
- Recaptured kinetic energy produced during coasting, braking, and deceleration helps to recharge the battery, improving overall efficiency.
- Typically, low battery placement in the chassis creates a lower center of gravity, optimizing handling and stability.
Hybrid Efficiency
Hybrid vehicles can take advantage of regenerative braking and an electric motor to maximize overall efficiency, but they aren’t as fuel efficient as their EV counterparts.
Unlike EVs, hybrids need a gas-powered engine to operate. However, thanks to their ability to switch seamlessly between gasoline and engine power, hybrid vehicles can provide both improved efficiency over combustion engines and versatile performance.
For instance, some hybrids can come with advanced performance technologies that automatically delivers the best combination of electric and gas power to help optimize efficiency in various driving conditions. Hybrids may also have the option of operating solely on electric power.
EV vs. Hybrid: Driving Experience
Based on your typical driving habits, fueling preferences, and overall desired driving experience, you may find either an EV or hybrid makes more practical sense or better fulfills your needs.
EV Driving Experience
Without the rumble of a combustion engine, EVs offer a relaxing, quieter ride while still handling the road capably and smoothly. Beyond providing an enjoyable drive experience, you’ll also want to consider some of the other lifestyle benefits that come with owning an EV.
- EV Range for Your Commutes: EV range is how far an electric car can travel before it needs to be recharged. Choosing an EV with a range that aligns with your daily routine will ensure you get where you need to go with ease. For example, with a range of 227 miles for the Solterra and up to 260 miles for the Trailseeker, these Subaru EVs are more than capable of accompanying you on your daily drive to work and weekend day trips to nearby locations.
- Convenient Charging Options: Owning an EV means being able to take advantage of multiple charging options. Public charging stations are available and offer fast charging to help you get back on the road quickly. If you’d rather charge your EV at home, you can have a special EV-specific charger installed or use a standard household outlet. At-home chargers tend to be slower than fast charging offered at charging stations.
Hybrid Driving Experience
Hybrids offer a similar driving experience to EVs and are also capable of running on gasoline, giving you more options for a smooth commute while still remaining eco-conscious. But don’t let their lean, green carbon footprint fool you. Hybrids and EVs, like the Solterra and Forester Hybrid, can be a great choice for adventuring off the beaten path, and handling rough terrain.
EV vs. Hybrid: Environmental Impact
If minimizing your carbon footprint is a priority, both hybrids and EVs demonstrate a commitment to the environment, each with their own advantages.
EV Environmental Impact
Without a gasoline-powered engine, EVs are known to produce less air pollution and fewer greenhouse emissions compared to hybrids. Other positive environment impacts of EVs include:
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Rechargeability using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind
- Fewer overall emissions, even when accounting for emissions from producing electricity
- Minimal harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, released into atmosphere thanks to lack of fuel combustion
- Quiet electric motors reduce noise pollution
Hybrid Environmental Impact
With a gasoline-powered engine, hybrid vehicles have more of an effect on the environment compared to EVs. However, hybrids still offer notable environmental benefits, including:
- Reduced emissions compared to gasoline-powered vehicles
- Excellent fuel economy, reducing overall dependence on fossil fuels
- Less fuel consumed and fewer greenhouse emissions than traditional vehicles
- Lower tailpipe emissions, especially when running on electric power
Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles: Cost Analysis
When comparing the cost of a hybrid vs. an electric vehicle, there’s more to consider than what you may need to pay upfront. Both types of vehicles can offer long-term savings depending on your driving habits, gas prices, and how those may weigh against energy costs if you choose to charge your EV at home. This can vary based on your vehicle and the most recent technologies available.
Subaru EVs and Subaru hybrid vehicles may also be eligible for special offers.
Subaru Hybrid & EV Vehicles
Given the environmental, efficiency, and performance benefits that hybrid and vehicles offer, it’s easy to understand their recent surge in popularity. Whether you want the enhanced efficiency of an EV or the versatility of a hybrid, Subaru is continuing its ongoing mission to be kinder to the planet.
With hybrids like the Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid, as well as EVs including the Solterra and Trailseeker, Subaru is committed to producing vehicles that are safe, reliable, and of the best of both worlds.
