Hybrid vs Electric- Which is more sustainable?

There has been much debate over whether electric cars are more sustainable for the environment. And it’s right to question it. The EV market has increased over the last few years, supporting the government’s objectives to cut harmful emissions and reduce the number of Petrol and Diesel cars on the road. But are electric vehicles as sustainable as we think?

Hybrid Cars (PHEVS, MHEV, HEV) 

Hybrid cars are vehicles that use two types of power: Electric and Petrol or Diesel. When travelling short distances and at slower speeds, hybrids can run purely on electricity. Driving longer distances and higher speeds means, however, that you will be reverting to using Petrol.

As hybrids don’t produce as much exhaust emissions as traditional Petrol or Diesel cars, they have made cities across the UK less polluted, making areas better for cyclists, pedestrians, as well as urban residents.

You can save money on fuel, have instant torque, and no idling is involved when owning a hybrid. They even hold a high resale value. They are a great transition car if you want to go electric but aren’t too sure about going fully electric.

Electric Cars

Electric cars have taken the automotive market by storm. However, even though they produce zero emissions, the price tag is hefty due to the advanced technology required to produce them.

When purchasing an electric car, there’s a significant possibility of getting range anxiety due to the fewer infrastructure. This will inevitably improve over the years, but at this point, you will have to plan out journeys as well as your nearest charging stations.

The positive aspect of going fully electric is that they contribute towards a cleaner environment over the longer term, with no congestion charge fees, lower running costs, and overall, a better driving experience.

Which is More Sustainable? 

Both hybrid and electric cars take quite a lot of energy to produce due to the lithium batteries needed to power the car. One-third of the lifetime carbon dioxide emissions from a hybrid comes from the energy needed to produce the car. However, as technology improves, emissions emitted in production will slowly decrease.

There are obvious impacts of a hybrid car. However, they are an excellent choice if you want to take a step towards going fully electric. They will be available for another 12 years, which gives you plenty of time to get the most use out of it before the ban comes into place in 2035.

Looking at the long-term picture, full EVs are the most sustainable option. However, the infrastructure is not yet developed enough to support travelling in an EV without causing potential range anxiety.

The sustainability of the car depends on your lifestyle, whether you live in a city and drive short distances or your lifestyle requires the need for long commutes. But what is sure is that the future is electric.