Unsure of the difference between fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional hybrid vehicles? We break it all down to help you make the right decision when switching to electric.
Electric vehicle (EV) technology is advancing rapidly, meaning lower prices and more choice. That’s great news, because 15 years from now your next new vehicle will most likely be electric.
Fully electric vehicles
A whisper-quiet drive—and no GHGs or pollution? Welcome to the world of fully electric vehicles! And say goodbye to gas stations—just charge your vehicle at home (or at a public station if you’re taking a longer trip). That’s the magic of a lithium-ion battery! Don’t worry—the most popular electric models, including SUVs, can travel 200 to 600 km on a single charge.
But what about winter, you ask? It’s true. The colder it gets, the shorter the distance your car can travel on a single charge —up to 40% less! So make sure you do a bit more planning before you head out on the road.
Examples of fully electric vehicles
BMW i3
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Hyundai KONA Electric
Jaguar I-PACE
Kia Niro EV
Nissan LEAF
Porsche Taycan
Tesla Model 3
Volkswagen e-Golf
Plug-in hybrid vehicles
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are incredibly practical. They have two engines and a small rechargeable lithium-ion battery and run on both gas AND electricity. How does it work? As soon as the battery runs out of juice (at around 20 to 80 km), the gas engine kicks in automatically. You can then keep travelling hundreds of kilometres on a single tank of gas, like any other gas-powered car.
Of course, you won’t get all the maintenance savings of a fully electric vehicle because you’ll still have to change the oil and replace the air filter from time to time. But because plug-in hybrids have a smaller battery, they cost less than a fully electric vehicle.
Examples of plug-in hybrid EVs
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Ford Escape plug-in hybrid
Kia Niro PHEV
Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid
Toyota Prius Prime
Conventional hybrid vehicles
Conventional hybrids are the most economical electric option. They only cost about $2,000 more than their gas-powered counterparts. Like plug-ins, conventional hybrids have two engines, one of which is powered by a lithium-ion or NiMH battery. The engines work in tandem to save you up to 30% on fuel compared to a regular car.
Keep in mind that conventional hybrids are electrified vehicles, not electric vehicles, since they can’t be plugged in. That means they aren’t eligible for government rebates or discounts offered by some insurers. They’re still a good intermediate option though if you’re looking to transition from a gas-powered vehicle to a more environmentally friendly one.
Plus, conventional hybrids have been around for many years, so the bugs have been worked out. The batteries last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres—if you want proof, just look at all the hybrid taxis on the road!
Looking for an electric vehicle? Consult CAA-Quebec’s road tests. If you decide to buy a used vehicle, you may want to have the vehicle inspected and check to see if your insurer offers any benefits for individuals who buy or lease electric vehicles.
Rebates for home charging stations
Owners or lessees of new or used electric vehicles can receive financial support from the Quebec government for the purchase of a home charging station. Some municipalities top up these amounts or have other incentive programs. Look into it—it’s worth your while!
