Automobile Roundup: Petrol vs. Hybrids vs. EVs

With advancements in fuel cell and battery technology, we've seen more electric and hybrid cars on the roads. Especially now that more and more governments are enacting measures to curb emissions by reducing reliance on petrol vehicles by setting certain emission standards or by providing subsidies to EV buyers. Likewise, some manufacturers have also started committing to going all-electric, with some brands even citing plans to phase out their combustion models completely like German carmaker Audi, according to Driven NZ.

So with the wealth of options now available, it can be a little bit daunting to choose which engine to go for. There’s a lot of factors to consider. For instance, there’s subsidies now given to EV buyers but at the same time, the limited stock and increased prices may just make it feel negligible. On the other hand, it might become harder to get new combustion engine cars due to new emissions standards.

For this article, we’ve decided to focus just on the cars themselves, without the external factors in play. Should you go petrol or electric? Or perhaps go with a hybrid vehicle instead? The choice is all yours.

Electric Cars

Electric cars rely exclusively on electricity in order to run, no petrol necessary. This completely eliminates your fuel costs while making the cars feel smoother and quieter when you run them. They’re very friendly and good for the environment, helping cut down pollution and greenhouse gases. They’re a bit easier to operate thanks to their low fuel costs and the fact that they don’t require the maintenance and oil changes that petrol cars need.

Of course, they’re not perfect. Charging time can take a while, even requiring overnight charges if you’re planning to use them for a long journey. Most EVs get you around 80 to 100 miles of range before requiring a recharge. As such, you will want to look into the places you drive at. And of course, EVs tend to have a higher upfront cost when purchasing, compared to a standard petrol vehicle, especially with some dealers noting that stock is limited.

Petrol Cars

A lot has been said about the disadvantages of petrol cars. They tend to be bad for the environment thanks to their emissions, hence why some countries are starting to implement stricter policies and standards for fuel cars. There’s also the fact that fuel is quite expensive, adding to the overall cost of driving. You also need to factor in the standard maintenance to help with your car’s gradual wear and tear, like regular oil changes.

But petrol cars still have their place. For one, decades of market dominance means there’s a lot of options available when it comes to models. EVs still struggle with adoption mostly because of the limited supply coming from manufacturers while you can always find a good deal on a new or used petrol car from many dealers. Petrol cars already come in a lot of configuration such as big utes, hatchbacks, sedans, and other model types. Of course, EVs are starting to invest in other similar models as well.

And while they may require more maintenance as time passes, parts are easily accessible, helping with repairs later on. Perhaps the most important consideration is the price. Most petrol cars are easier to buy upfront, making them an attractive candidate for first-time buyers.

Hybrid Cars

Of course, there’s always hybrid cars available. Hybrids are able to operate on both conventional and electric power, allowing them to negate their impact on the environment while being able to operate on fuel on tougher roads. Hybrids also tend to be more fuel-efficient than cars that run exclusively on fuel, allowing for more than 50 miles per gallon, which can help yield significant savings. And for those who do look at how quiet a car runs, hybrids can run quietly as well, like their all-electric counterparts.

Of course, hybrids do have their disadvantages. Like EVs, they can be quite expensive upfront, with maintenance costs possibly being more costly due to parts and other factors. Unlike their electric counterparts, they still produce emissions. Thanks to their economical nature, they tend to lean more on fuel efficiency and do not run as fast as regular cars. They’re also lighter and may not handle as well as petrol cars, though this may be a temporary problem that is alleviated with practice.

So is it a good time to buy an EV?

For most people with the disposable income to spend, buying an EV can be a good deal now, especially with government subsidies in place. Even if you’re only buying a used car, it’s still possible to get an affordable model if you look hard enough.

On the other hand, if you’re not sure about the price, you may want to look into a hybrid or petrol vehicle if it’s the model that fits your budget. You’ll also have to consider how accessible charging stations are for your long drives. After all, only you know what your driving habits are.

Alternatively, you may still want to stick to your old set of wheels provided they still work and haven’t sustained any serious wear and tear yet. Besides, even if you intend to switch to a hybrid or an EV later down the line, new models will be coming out with better technology and battery life. You might even see prices go down once the supply recovers. It all depends on you.

When you’re ready to purchase your first vehicle, just make sure you’ve evaluated your options first. Not just in terms of which car you’ll buy but also your vehicle finance options. If you’re financing your next purchase with a car loan, it pays to compare different lenders and financial providers. With glimp, you can get tailored deals while comparing them all in just one page. Get the best interest rates when you use our FREE comparison tool today!