If you have ever been contemplating switching from your gas-power vehicle to an Electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid car, you might want to sit back and dive into this article.
First, let’s get to understand what’s hybrid/ electric cars are all about and some of their significant features.
A hybrid vehicle is one that uses two or more distinct types of power, it is also known as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and is powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor that uses energy stored on batteries.

There are three types of hybrid cars, namely;
1. Parallel hybrid
2. Series hybrid
3. Plug-in hybrid
Parallel hybrid
In this type of hybrid vehicle, The electric motors and gasoline engines are connected in a common transmission that blends the two power sources. The transmission can be automatic, manual, or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Brands that use the parallel design include Toyota, Kia, Ford, Lexus, Nissan, and Hyundai.
Series hybrid
In this design, the electric motor provides all the thrust and there is never a physical-mechanical connection between the engine and the wheel. The battery makes all the demands in this design. The BWi3 is an example of a series hybrid.
Plug-In hybrid
Just like the name implies, this design enhances the convention hybrid concepts with a much bigger Battery Pack that, like an electric car, must be fully recharged using an external electric source from your home, office, or even the public service charger.
N.B: An hybrid vehicle can use both gas and engine.
A hybrid car feature is a small fuel-sufficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. the electric motor is powered by batteries that switch add automatically while you drive.
Two sides of the hybrid cars
Here are some of the benefits of owning a hybrid car
- · You save a lot of money
- · They are quiet (noise-free)
- · They are eco friendly
- · They sometimes require less maintenance
- · You won’t have to experience ‘range anxiety with a hybrid car
Here are some of the setbacks of owning a hybrid car
- · Higher upfront costs.
- · They still produce fossil fuel emissions.
- · Maintenance can be expensive (not regularly)
- · There are also limited charging outlets, although the rates keep increasing daily.
Electric vehicle
An EV Is a shortened acronym For an electric vehicle. EVs Are vehicles that are either partially all fully powered on electric power. electric vehicles have low running costs as they have fewer moving parts for maintenance and are also very environmentally friendly as they use little or no gas.
Sometimes the electric motor does all the work, sometimes it’s the gas engine and sometimes they work together. The result is less gasoline burned and therefore, better fuel economy.
Pros and cons of electric vehicles
PROS:
- · Electric cars are energy efficient
- · Electric cars reduce emission
- · Electric cars require lower maintenance
CONS
- · Electric cars can’t travel far
- · Fuelling takes longer
- · Electric cars are sometimes more expensive
Besides all the pros and cons outlined above, Electric vehicles (EV) will take over Internal combustible engines (ICE) soon but not yet. Industry observers say the gas-powered internal combustible engine (ICE) cause he has a long way to go (at least 15 years) before extension.
Reasons why you need to start thinking about hybrid and electric cars
During the 2021 budget meeting, the Canadian government pledged nearly $17 billion to promote green recovery in the country pushing the private sector to develop clean technology. $17 billion is promised in the years ahead to promote green recovery out of the COVID-19 pandemic and create more jobs.
Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in Canada, accounting for a quarter of Canada’s total emission with almost half of these emissions coming from cars and light trucks.
According to them, one way to reduce the amount of transportation-related (GHG) emissions vehicles is to put more zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road.
In order to encourage the adoption of ZEVs by Canadians and Canadian businesses, the Government of Canada launched the incentivization of Zero-emission vehicles In may.
Electric vehicle charging costs versus gas costs
The pain at the pumps Is one of the biggest motivators when considering buying an electric vehicle. although it’s not free charging from home, It is nothing compared to what you spend a year in fuel consumption. Take, for instance, the crown corporation places home charging cost at $2/100km, which is $400 a year but when compared to the equivalent gas-powered vehicles, an average cost of $1,848 ( id calculated at $154/month), you already know you’re saving a lot.