How to Compare an Electric Car to a Hybrid Car
The term "hybrid car" is used interchangeably for the broad range of vehicles under the alternative umbrella. A hybrid car utilizes a combination of gasoline and electricity, while alternative-fuel vehicles use one fuel source, such as electricity. Here's how to compare an electric car with a hybrid car to find the right vehicle for you.
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Instructions
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Begin your comparison of electric and hybrid vehicles by evaluating emission levels. An electric car produces no carbon emissions, while a hybrid vehicle produces less exhaust than a traditional vehicle.
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Listen to each vehicle during operation to hear the difference between electric and hybrid cars. An electric car does not produce noise, while a hybrid car reduces noise by shutting down the engine during full stops.
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Compare the cost of owning a hybrid car with that of an electric car. You can use the online fuel calculator at CNET to determine your annual savings with a variety of hybrid vehicles (see Resources below).
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Learn the legal and financial benefits of owning alternative-fuel vehicles in your state. Research tax benefits and laws dictating ownership of electric vehicles in your state. Do this with the help of the U.S. Department of Energy (see Resources below).
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Drive around your town to compare the number of hybrid and electric car dealerships. This measure of commercial appeal will reveal a greater number of hybrids on the mainstream market. Electric car dealerships are relegated to large cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
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Assess the driving distance of alternative-fuel vehicles as part of your research. A hybrid vehicle can travel hundreds of miles on a tank of gas, while most electric cars are limited based on accessibility to electricity.
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Determine the amount of electricity used in the operation of a electric and hybrid vehicles. A hybrid vehicle builds up electricity based on vehicle braking while using gasoline for the majority of your commute.
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Sit down in an electric car and a hybrid car to compare the amount of interior space. Electric cars tend to use smaller cockpits and trunks to stay light for efficient energy usage. The growth of mainstream hybrid vehicles from Toyota, Honda and Ford has kept front and back seats as roomy as traditional vehicles.
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Comments
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danimus
Jul 22, 2008
Step 1 isn't quite correct. Electric cars DO produce carbon emissions. Theirs are just emitted from the coal-fired power plants from which we get most of our electricity, rather than from the tailpipe. -
danimus
Jul 22, 2008
Step 1 isn't quite correct. Electric cars DO produce carbon emissions. Theirs are just emitted from the coal-fired power plants from which we get most of our electricity, rather than from the tailpipe.
