Choosing between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle

Choosing between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle

A hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or an electric car? These 3 types of vehicles are all very interesting and will meet different driver’s needs. Kia Chambly tells you more!

Electric cars

Just as the name indicates, they rely solely on electricity, which makes them a very ecological vehicle for many reasons. The Kia Soul EV, the Niro EV and the future EV6 are 100% electric car models.

Find out everything about the Kia EV6 in its feature article.

The advantages of an electric car

  • Does not require a single drop of fuel, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative for driving
  • Is more energy efficient than a fuel model
three quarter front view of the 2022 Kia Niro EV

What type of driver is it ideal for?

Drivers who often travel over short distances, who drive in the city often and who really take their carbon footprint to heart, are the perfect candidates for this type of vehicle. Moreover, government subsidies exist, and help reduce purchasing costs. 

At the federal level, $5,000 is available for purchases of electric vehicles with an MSRP under $45,000 and $55,000 for vehicles with seven or more passengers. The province of Quebec now subsidizes $7,000 for new EVs and $3,500 for used ones. 

Hybrid cars

Hybrid cars combine an electric motor and a fuel engine; but contrary to plug-in or electric models, they cannot drive in 100% electric mode. That is one of the greatest disadvantages of hybrid cars.

lateral front view of the 2022 Kia Sorento HEV

The advantages of a hybrid car

A hybrid car offers several advantages, like:

  • Fuel efficiency that is superior to a fuel model
  • No risk of autonomy loss if your battery is empty

What type of driver is it best suited for?

Buyers who want a car that is fuel efficient and economical, but who are not yet ready to take the leap towards a fully electric or plug-in hybrid car will love this type of model. If you live too far from the charging stations to plug in your vehicle when needed and cannot install your own, this model will also be more interesting for you.

The Kia Sorento comes in fuel, hybrid and even plug-in hybrid versions.

Plug-in hybrid cars

The best way to describe a PHEV is by saying that you will have all of the advantages of electric and fuel cars, without any of the inconvenience! That is what the Kia Sorento and Niro offer. The greatest difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is that the latter can be plugged in order to recharge the battery.

The advantages of PHEV:

  • Incredibly energy efficient: generally lower than 3.0 L/ 100 km
  • You can drive in full electric mode over short distances
  • You can keep driving even if the battery is empty, thanks to the fuel engine
three quarter front view of the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV

What type of driver does it suit best?

If you often drive for very long distances or work on the road with little access to charging stations in your area, but you still want an electric or hybrid vehicle, then a plug-in hybrid SUV or sedan is an excellent alternative for you! The provincial government is also offering a $5,000 grant for PHEVs.

Conclusion

To find out more about how a hybrid vs an electric car works, about hybrid vs plug-in hybrid performance, or to find out more about Kia models that fit this criteria, like what the 2022 Kia Niro EV has to offer in terms of performance, come and see as at Kia Chambly today!

rear view of the 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV