Electric vs. hybrid vs. gas-powered cars: Which is right for you?
For some drivers, gas is costing more than ever before, leaving some to look into going green rather than parting with green.
For drivers who aren't on fumes, chances are they are fuming mad paying for the priciest gallon of gas in decades.
As a result, some are turning to electric vehicles, like the torque-pumping, battery-powered, fully electric Kia EV6. Sister station WBAL's Jason Newton recently took one for a spin with "MotorWeek" host John Davis along for the ride. And for the most part, Davis is sold on electric.
"I do think we're at the point where if you're looking to buy a car mostly for around town and you can find a battery-electric vehicle in your price range or a plug-in hybrid, it makes sense," Davis said.
Kia and Volvo are among the nearly 20 automakers electrifying the market with their EVs.
"It's being driven by what's going on in Europe and Asia, where the governments are really pushing the electrification much harder," Davis said. "However, all these car companies are global companies, so they have to develop this technology. But you just can't force it on consumers, at least not in this country. So, I think the acceptance is coming. It's just going to take a little longer than the rest of the world."
Limits to acceptance could come in charging. For example, in a gas-powered vehicle, when that little light comes on, drivers just head to the gas station to fill up.
On an electric vehicle, you plug in at home, at the mall and even at work. But how long does that take? Companies are working on increasing that speed, but in the long run, it beats $4 or more that it currently costs to pay at the pump.
Level 3 charging stations, the fast ones, can charge a battery to about 80% in around 30 to 45 minutes. Ideally, a Level 2 charger, using about the same amount of juice as a clothes dryer, takes about two hours to fill from empty.
"If you look at how much you're going to save on fuel and some maintenance, it'll pay itself back in probably four or five or six years — and if gas prices stay high, even sooner," Davis said.
There are choices. A plug-in hybrid has a gas engine and electricity, but typically with a shorter electric range of 20 to 50 miles.
There's a hybrid technology that gets you off the line, and at slower speeds, uses electricity before the gas motor takes over. A driver's braking does the charging.
Or, there's fully electric, like the Kia Newton drove, and Teslas.
"It's 100% battery and electric and there's no backup gasoline engine. Once you're done, you're done. But as you can see here, you get plenty of warning about when you're getting down on your range and your charge level," Davis said.
The range is about 300 and more miles per full charge.
As for where to charge, Davis said: "In most of the cars, including this one actually, can help you plot your course and tell you where those chargers are and if they're available."
The bottom line is the surge toward electric has only just begun.
"We're going to get there. The electrification of the car, as I call it, is here to stay. But we still have the hurdles to get over. But in the future, you know, your kids will be driving an all-electric car," Davis said.
When buying an electric vehicle, shoppers are paying for the technology a little more on the front end.
According to Edmunds, the sale price for an EV, on average, was about $60,000. In February, the average price for all new vehicles was about $45,000. So, the sticker price for an EV will ultimately cost you more.
But sticker shock isn't stopping buyers. Edmunds reported that during the first week of March, almost one in five shoppers on their site looked at hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs — that's an 18% increase over the previous week.
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