So you want to do your part to have cleaner air. Or maybe you just wanna save on fuel costs. You’re looking to compare electric vehicles and hybrids. It’s tough to compare when there’s only upside to both. To help make your buying experience a little more informed, we have jotted down all the benefits of these two electrified powertrains.

The pros of buying an electric vehicle

Save money on fuel
Yes, you really do save money by purchasing an electric vehicle. The average home in the United States spends about 1/5 of its yearly income on transportation.* Each year the average fuel savings a family can expect to receive from their electric vehicle is around $1,000.** The cost to fully charge a 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) EV with more than 230 miles of range at home is less than $8. Plus, energy prices don’t fluctuate as much as oil does, so budgeting for your electric vehicle can be more consistent.

Zero Tailpipe Emissions
In full-electric mode, an electric car produces zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically lowering smog and greenhouse gas emissions. Cleaner cars mean cleaner air and better health. California and the world are already seeing the impacts of greenhouse gases and climate change, so contributing to a cleaner future is another pro of electric vehicles!

Lower Maintenance Costs
Electric motors have fewer moving parts and never require oil changes, new spark plugs, or fuel filters. Regenerative braking also extends the life span of brake pads by using the electric motor to slow down the vehicle. These things all translate to drastically lowering overall maintenance costs. It’s not just fuel savings, folks!

Tax Credits and Incentives
Whether you buy or lease, when it comes to an electric car you could get money back. There are federal, state and local incentives to bring down the cost of that electric car of your dreams.

The pros of buying a hybrid car

Save money on fuel
Because your car is part EV and part gas-powered you are going to see significant savings at the pump. Hybrids have highly efficient engines that can switch to electric power for fuel instead of always relying on gas. This means far fewer trips to the pump.

You may help save the environment
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually,*** plus other pollutants like methane and nitrous oxide – all greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. By choosing to drive a hybrid, you are contributing less greenhouse gases than a normal gas-burning vehicle.

No “range anxiety”
With a hybrid, especially a plug-in hybrid, you have the distinct benefit of being able to run your car on electric power or gas. That means that if you are low on fuel, the battery can get you to the pump. And if you’re low on battery, the gas power can get you home.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of an EV or a hybrid, you’ll be driving our planet into a cleaner future. So if you’re not ready to go totally electric just yet, choose a hybrid…but if you really want zero tailpipe emissions, give the EV a shot. The good news is we have both types of vehicles at The Folsom Auto Mall. Visit us today and choose a Buick, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Chevrolet, Toyota, Hyundai, KIA, Nissan or Ford. Test drive an EV and a hybrid. Ask us any questions you might have. We’re happy to help!

* https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-6/how-do-united-states-consumer-expenditures-compare-with-the-united-kingdom-and-japan.htm
** Average fuel savings of $1,000 is based on the averages of annual consumer mileage in the U.S., vehicle miles per gallon, cost of gasoline, EV efficiency and Duke Energy residential rates
*** https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle