The Hybrid vs. Electric Car Question

As time goes on, more and more car shoppers are quickly becoming interested in hybrid and electric vehicles. They offer exceptional fuel efficiency and provide a whole different way of tackling your long road trips. If the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles in recent years speaks to anything, it’s that hybrid and electric vehicles will continue to become more popular.

That being said, you and other Morton area drivers know the electric and hybrid wave isn’t over – in fact you’ll likely find yourself driving one or both in your lifetime, even if just for a test drive. But which one is better? When it comes to the hybrid vs. electric car question, which way should you go? The team at Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington is here to give you the scoop on hybrid cars vs. electric cars, especially the exciting new lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles coming from Toyota! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our online contact portal!

Basics to Know | Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars 

Further on in this guide, we’ll highlight the benefits of both hybrid and electric vehicles. But, a baseline of knowledge should first be established. Here’s what you need to know about the basic functionality of hybrid vs. electric car types:

Hybrid Cars: What to Know

The word “hybrid” comes from the Latin “hybrida,” which denotes the offspring of two dissimilar animals. It’s fitting then, since the angry, howling creature that is the traditional gas engine has thus mated with the elegant, silent animal that is the electric motor, and produced the marvel that is the modern hybrid vehicle.

The gas and electric powerhouses work together in vehicles like the Toyota Avalon Hybrid to produce more than impressive fuel efficiency, while still retaining some of the driving soul of the gas powertrain. Some modern hybrid vehicles, like the legendary Prius Prime, can be plugged in to charge up the battery, while a more traditional hybrid uses systems like regenerative braking and excess engine power to recharge the battery while you make your Springfield commute. Browse our selection of hybrid vehicles here.

Electric Cars: What’s the Difference?

Unlike the gas-using hybrid, the electric vehicle (casually referred to as an EV) relies entirely on battery-supplied electric power to propel the vehicle and operate everything else! The battery in an EV is much larger than those found in hybrids because it has, of course, a much more major role to play in powering the vehicle – in fact, it’s the only role.

To charge the battery, simply plug the vehicle into a public charging station or your own home station. If you’re in the market for an EV in the near future, check out the impressive Toyota bZ4X.

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles

• The battery charges itself
• You can stop and fuel up at any gas station
• Hybrids are often more affordable than EVs

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

• Low or zero tailpipe emissions
• Quieter ride with no engine noise
• No money spent on gas 
• Fewer maintenance costs (no oil changes or engine upkeep)
• Potential EV incentives based on your location 
• Flexible charging options, including home and public options

Talk Hybrid and Electric Cars With Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington

No matter what you’re looking for, a fuel-efficient hybrid or a quiet and smooth electric vehicle, the team at Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington is ready and waiting to assist you with any questions you may have! Our inventory isn’t the only thing that’s modernized! You can even apply for financing ahead of time using this handy online tool! Stop by our Bloomington location, we’re just a quick trip from Normal and we’re excited to meet you at the door!