EV vs. PHEV vs. Gas Hybrid: What’s the difference?

This is one of the first questions you have to consider when moving away from internal combustion engine vehicles, and the direction you go ultimately depends on what best fits your lifestyle, driving preferences, and budget. This article will give you a quick jump start, and point you in the direction of some great resources if you want to take a deep dive. If you’re ready to rock, set up a time to come see us at Green Wave and take one for a spin.

Quick Take:

• EVs are Electric Vehicles: they only operate on battery power. Also called BEVs
• PHEVs are Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: They have a smaller battery than an EV, they plug in to charge like an EV, and they switch over to gas hybrid when the battery runs out. Also called Partial Hybrid Electric Vehicles.
• Gas Hybrids are vehicles that do not plug in, but they do have a hybrid vehicle battery that assists with powering the vehicle.
• ICE Vehicles have Internal Combustion Engines, and this is the most common vehicle on the road today.

How to tell the difference:

Let’s start out with some examples of these vehicles, which you might be familiar with.

Examples of EVs:

• Teslas (All Models), Ford Mustang Mach E and Lightning, Chevy Bolt, Volkswagen ID.4 and E-Golf,, BMW i3, i4, and i8

Examples of PHEVs:

• Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius PRIME and RAV-4 PRIME, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi, Jeep Wrangler 4XE

Examples of Gas Hybrids:

• Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Camry, and Sienna Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid.

This can get pretty confusing, even for someone who lives it every day. But here’s the quickest way to tell the difference by looking at the car:

• If it has a plug and no tailpipe, it’s an EV
• If it has a plug and a tailpipe, it’s a PHEV
• If it has no plug, a tailpipe, and it says it’s a hybrid, it’s a gas hybrid.

Want to take a deep dive and look at a bunch of these vehicles? Give us a call at 603-379-9420. We love to do that. It’s what we do all the time, and we’d love to take you on a journey with us.

Cost Comparison

Looking at the differences in cost between EVs, PHEVs, and Gas Hybrids can be pretty complicated, and each driver’s situation is different. EVs and PHEVs generally cost more than similar gas hybrid models when they are new, but their lower fuel and maintenance costs – not to mention tax incentives – offset the initial purchase price quickly. Factor in the rapidly growing re-used market for EVs and PHEVs, and the cost comparisons can get dizzying.

Here’s a chart that gives rough average used vehicle values for model years 2016-2019, and as you will see there are many PHEVs that cost more than pure EVs. These are price averages and a lot depends on miles and condition, but you can see there is no easy way to put a price on a car based on its fuel type.

Then you have to factor in the operating costs of different types of vehicles. According to the “Your Driving Costs” annual report by AAA, if you drive a medium size SUV, then your operating costs are twice as high per mile as a pure EV, and about 40% more than a hybrid. This includes fuel and maintenance costs, as electric vehicles also have lower maintenance costs than ICE vehicles. Many purchasers will see savings of $100-$200 per month by moving from an ICE to EV or PHEV, depending on their driving habits and vehicle type.

All this information is important, but not as important as your preferences as a purchaser. Some people would never buy a car that’s over 50,000 miles, and some trust the Honda brand above all else. That’s cool! We want to hear about it! At Green Wave, we take time to understand your situation, and provide expertise to help you drive your own journey.

Finally, there’s the financial aspect of the situation. If you are paying cash, or you have a ton of equity in your trade (Green Wave takes all trades!), then only the price you pay matters. But if you’re financing, then miles and age matter. Here are a couple of points to take into consideration:

• If you want a lower payment, a longer loan term will get you that.
• The newer the vehicle, the longer the loan term you can take.
• Older vehicles will qualify for shorter loan terms from most lenders, which will increase the payment.

At Green Wave, we have professionals who have been helping clients to navigate auto finance for decades. We can help you run the numbers, and connect you with a lender who’s going to give you a fair deal.

We also want to help you achieve your goals as a purchaser. What do you want to achieve with your next vehicle purchase?

• Drive the coolest, fastest, most technologically advanced machine you’ve ever owned?
• Reduce your operating costs by cutting out the pump and plugging in your ride at home?
• Help save the planet by reducing your carbon footprint in a low or no emissions vehicle?

All of these questions play into the cost comparison and best value decision you make when you buy an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Email [email protected] today to set up an appointment, or call us at 603-379-9420 and we will help you make the leap to your first electric vehicle.