What’s the Difference Between a Toyota Hybrid and Toyota Electric Car?

It’s time to make your next vehicle purchase. You know you want to choose a vehicle that is economical, affordable, safe, and reduces your environmental impact. Which do you choose, a Toyota hybrid or a Toyota electric car? Though there are benefits to both, which one best complements your lifestyle?

The fundamental difference between a hybrid and an electric car is how they are powered. Does this difference affect more than just your car’s power source? Which is the better choice for your lifestyle? Let’s explore the differences between hybrid and electric vehicles as well as what the Toyota electric car 2023 models have to offer.

Powering a Hybrid Car

As mentioned, each car is powered differently. An electric car is powered solely by its battery while a hybrid is powered by fuel as well as its electric battery. A hybrid does not need to be charged, as it switches seamlessly between electric power or gas power, and when it’s running on gas, it recharges through regenerative braking. With self-charging technology, you don’t need to plug in—simply refill at a gas station.

Powering an Electric Car

Conversely, an electric car needs to be plugged into an external power source to recharge, as it relies solely on its electric battery. An electric car’s main source of power is a battery and electrical system. When plugged in, the system absorbs electricity from the charging point’s grid. This electricity is then stored in the rechargeable battery, which powers the electric motor.

Hybrid vs. Electric: What’s the Difference?

What other differences stand out between the two vehicles and how do you choose between two great options? Let’s compare what each has to offer so you can choose which best fits your needs.

Why choose a Toyota Hybrid car? For many, especially one-vehicle households, hybrids are great for their versatility. They fill the need for a commuter car or a long-distance vehicle that is able to make road trips without the need to plug in and recharge. Hybrids self-charge, using their batteries to improve fuel economy and environmental impact. This makes them a convenient and economical choice.

Why choose a Toyota Electric car? An electric car uses zero fuel and therefore produces zero tailpipe emissions, making them both an economical choice and the ultimate environmentally friendly choice. Though electric cars tend to have a higher up-front cost, they also have higher tax incentives. Additionally, electric cars accelerate faster than traditional fuel engines, offering a smooth ride and excellent handling for higher driving performance.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

If both vehicles have considerable advantages, how do you choose? Remember, with each benefit, there are some other factors to consider.

It’s important to weigh your options and consider what you need from your vehicle. An electric car will need to be plugged into an external power source. This saves money on filling up your gas tank, but you will have to factor in how long a charge holds. Do you drive long distances or is this a commuter car? Do you have time to fit charging into your schedule? Some models have rapid charging capability and can charge in 30 to 60 minutes, while others take 3 to 4 hours at a public charging station or 8 to 10 hours at work or home. An electric car may also cost more money initially. Do you have the budget to spend more up front to save on your gas bill later?

A hybrid is convenient for anyone who drives long distances or unable to take advantage of charging stations in more remote areas or who has limited time. A hybrid is ideal for single-car households and long-distance commuters. However, you will still need to factor in oil changes, potential engine failure, and rising gas prices. A hybrid car may have less power and does not accelerate as fast as an all-electric car. How much does performance matter to your driving experience?

Consider what you need your car to do and weigh your options. Both are excellent choices, so selecting your next vehicle is less about which car is better and more about which one best fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Types of Electric Vehicles

When selecting your next electric vehicle, choose from one of the three different types of available electric cars:

1. Hybrid-electric: These run on fuel and an electric battery. They self-charge through regenerative braking and switch seamlessly from their fuel engine and electric battery.
2. Plug-in electric: These vehicles do not run on fuel and therefore do not produce emissions. They run solely on electricity and get their power from plugging in to recharge.
3. Plug-in hybrid: These vehicles combine the abilities of a hybrid and an all-electric vehicle. They allow you to operate in hybrid mode or switch to EV mode and drive all electric. Equipped with a fuel engine, a plug-in hybrid runs mostly on electricity but switches to its fuel source when the battery charge runs out. They can also be plugged in to recharge their battery.

No matter your lifestyle, no matter your preference, there is an electrified vehicle for you. When shopping for your next vehicle, choose from the exciting lineup of Toyota electric car for 2023:

• 2023 Toyota Crown
• 2023 Tundra i-FORCE MAX
• 2023 Sequoia
• 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition
• 2023 Highlander Hybrid
• 2023 Corolla Hybrid
• 2023 Venza
• 2023 Camry Hybrid
• 2022 Prius
• All-new 2023 bZ4X

Choose from one of these powertrains and experience a balance of efficiency and power.

Find your next electric vehicle or hybrid at Beaverton Toyota. We are here for our community and offer a personalized CLEAR Purchase Experience with transparent prices and ToyotaCare to cover regular maintenance after the purchase. See our full lineup online or visit our dealership today. We are committed to helping guide you throughout the entire process: from purchase and instruction to maintenance and repair.

Tags: Electric Vehicle, EV, Toyota Electric, Toyota Hybrid
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