Mar 18, 2020

At Swickard Honda, we’ve seen lots of drivers who want to make the switch to more efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles, like the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. However, many wonder how to tell the difference between electric and hybrid cars.

We thought we’d take a few minutes today to go through the key differences when comparing electric and hybrid cars.

How Do Electric and Hybrid Cars Work?
As the name implies, an electric car is just that—electric. It does not run on gasoline, which means you’ll need to charge the vehicle by plugging it in, though some electric cars also utilize regenerative braking technology. This helps recycle energy by generating electricity to charge the car during the braking process.

A hybrid vehicle, on the other hand, uses a combination of an electric motor and a conventional gasoline engine. Some hybrids are plug-in, and some receive power by way of regenerative braking and the use of the gas engine to recharge the battery pack.

Which Option is Better for Me?
If you’re trying to decide whether an electric or hybrid car is better for you, first consider your driving habits. Hybrid vehicles will have a smaller electric battery than fully electric vehicles, so you won’t be able to travel as far on a single charge, but you’ll have the versatility to go further thanks to the combustion engine. A hybrid vehicle can be an excellent choice for people who often commute short distances during the week, but still want the option to drive longer distances on the weekends.

Honda Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
At Swickard Honda, you’ll find a variety of new 2020 Honda models that provide all the features you love with the extra efficiency of a hybrid or electric engine. Some eco-friendly models we carry include:

Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Insight
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
To learn more about our new 2020 Honda models or to ask further questions about the difference between electric and hybrid cars, contact Swickard Honda today!