Are You Ready To Buy An Electric Or Hybrid Vehicle?

By Paul Crosby, TestDriveNow.com

In an effort to help reduce pollution and save money on fuel, many drivers have turned to electric vehicles for their transportation needs. There are myriad types of electric vehicles in today’s marketplace. Most types fall into two basic categories: hybrids and pure electric. The type and style of driving you do, along with your budget, will determine which of these categories you should consider.

Pure electric. For those drivers who live and work in close proximity, a straight electric vehicle may be a good choice. Electric vehicles usually only have a range of around 150 miles, and this range goes down sharply if your commute involves freeway driving. These types of vehicles are best suited for a city’s stop and go driving environment. You really need to keep track of your mileage because you simply can’t pull over and top off the tank! Electric vehicles generally need 8 to 12 hours for a full charge – if you’re not careful, you may be calling for a tow truck or pushing the car home. On the plus side, electric vehicles have zero emissions and cost about a third of what a comparable gas powered vehicle costs per mile.

Hybrid. For drivers who don’t live in cities and need far more range from their cars, hybrids are a better option. These types of cars use a combination of both electric motors and an internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle. Some hybrids use their gas motors to charge batteries that in turn run the electric motors. Other types of hybrids have traditional gas motors that are enhanced by the addition of electric motors for extra power and electric-only operation at low speeds. The main goal of these hybrid drive systems is to provide some of the clean emissions and mileage benefits of the electric motors with the extended range capabilities of a traditional internal combustion motor.

Today, there are literally hundreds of electric and hybrid drive vehicles available. Everything from four door family sedans to two seat sports cars are now being offered. Whether you need to carry a large family cross country, run errands around town or blast up a twisty mountain road, chances are there is an electric vehicle that’s right for your specific needs. As always, when shopping for a new car, do your research, assess your own requirements, set a budget and drive as many models as possible.