What’s the difference between hybrid and electric cars?

Hybrid cars

Hybrids are the middle ground between fully electric and regular cars. They’re powered by a traditional engine, called a combustion engine, and an electric motor and battery. These can work together or independently. Though plug-in hybrids have an external battery, you can plug in to charge at any EV charge point.

Full hybrids use petrol or diesel for fuel, mainly, but can also run solely on their electric battery:

• A mild hybrid cannot be driven on electric power alone.
• A full hybrid can drive short distances on electric power alone.
• A plug-in hybrid can drive on average 298 miles on electric alone.

Electric cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) work differently from petrol or diesel cars. Instead of an engine, they run on an electric motor powered by a battery. That means no more trips to the petrol station—simply charge at home or at a public charging point.

With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs offer a cleaner way to drive. The European Union is investing in electric mobility, introducing incentives and expanding charging infrastructure across member states. By 2025, new regulations will require fast-charging stations every 60 km along major roads.

With improved battery ranges, more charging points, and growing support across Europe, electric cars are becoming a practical choice for everyday driving.

Hybrid advantages

Better fuel efficiency

As hybrid cars use both a combustion engine and an electric motor, the engine uses less fuel compared to a traditional car. The HR-V hybrid can travel up to 454 miles on a full tank*.

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Flexibility for long-distance travel

When your electric battery reaches the end of its charge, the vehicle will seamlessly switch to the engine. You can travel short distances using only electric power – plug-in hybrids go furthest.

Less wear-and-tear

Hybrids use electric power at lower speeds, so there’s less wear and tear on the engine. This means they require less maintenance than conventional cars.

Electric advantages

Zero emissions boost air quality

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can reduce air pollution in urban areas. Many countries offer tax benefits, congestion charge exemptions, and lower road tax for EV drivers—offering potential savings and advantages for city journeys.

Lower running and maintenance costs

Charging an EV at home in the EU typically costs between £8-25 for a full charge, which translates to roughly £3-7 per 100 miles, depending on your tariff. In the UK, running an EV is generally cheaper than a petrol or diesel car, though the exact savings depend on electricity tariffs and driving habits.

With fewer mechanical parts - no oil changes, no clutch, and less brake wear - EVs also enjoy lower maintenance bills. As battery prices continue to drop and ownership incentives remain in place, the total cost of owning an electric vehicle in many EU countries is nearing parity with, or even undercutting, petrol and diesel models.

Source: The cost of charging an electric car across Europe.

Cheap and plentiful charging

As of mid-2024, the UK had over 60,000 public charging points, with this number continuing to grow.

Charging an EV at home is often more economical than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle, leading to significant savings for EV owners.

Longer range for most journeys

In 2023, newly registered battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the UK had an average range of 267 miles on a single charge.

With the continuous expansion of charging networks and improvements in EV technology, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly practical choice for drivers in the UK.