EV vs Hybrid: A Personal and Data-Driven Decision

kia ev6

While hybrids offer a temporary solution, fully electric vehicles (EVs) are the ultimate path forward for India’s sustainable mobility goals

With the rapid advancements in automotive technology, many people today face the same question I recently did: Should I choose a hybrid or an electric vehicle (EV)? After years of driving internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and considering hybrids, I ultimately opted for a fully electric car.

My new EV, the Kia EV6, has proven that, at this moment, an EV is not only a more cost-effective solution but also a superior choice over hybrids in nearly every aspect. This is particularly relevant in India, where hybrids might serve as a short-term measure, but EVs are the true answer to achieving long-term sustainability and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

EV vs Hybrid: The Key Differences

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The primary appeal of hybrids is their ability to bridge the gap between traditional ICE cars and the new era of electrification by combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. While hybrids offer better fuel efficiency than pure ICE vehicles, they still depend on fossil fuels and require all the maintenance associated with an internal combustion engine.

In contrast, EVs completely eliminate fuel costs and come with far fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance expenses. While hybrids are a transitional solution, EVs are the future.

tata sierra ev concept-6

And with EVs priced almost the same as hybrids, thanks to a 5% GST on EVs versus the higher taxes on ICE vehicles, EVs present a far more compelling case.

EV vs Hybrid: Cost-Effectiveness – The EV Advantage

When considering the cost per kilometer, the decision becomes clearer. My new EV has a running cost of 0.80 to 1.25 per kilometer—an astonishing 1/8th of what you would spend running a similar high-torque ICE vehicle.

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For instance, I get 328 PS and over 600 Nm of torque from my EV6, comparable to high-performance ICE models like the BMW 340i, which costs around 12 per kilometer to operate. This stark contrast in running costs is one of the primary reasons I chose a full EV over a hybrid.

With hybrids, while you do save on fuel compared to ICE cars, they still require gasoline. In city driving, hybrids rely more on their electric motors, but once you hit the highway, the gasoline engine kicks in, leading to similar running costs as a standard ICE vehicle on longer trips.

2023-bmw-m340i

EV vs Hybrid: Similar Pricing to ICE Cars and Hybrids

One of the most significant factors tipping the scales in favor of EVs is their pricing. Thanks to just 5% GST on EVs compared to 48% on ICE vehicles, the price difference between EVs and hybrids has virtually disappeared. My Kia EV6, for instance, is priced competitively with premium ICE sedans but offers significantly lower running costs.

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A case in point is the BYD Seal, which offers a massive 528 PS for just 56 lakh. To get this kind of power from an ICE vehicle, you’d easily spend four times that amount. Hybrids, while offering better mileage than their pure ICE counterparts, can’t match this level of performance despite being priced higher.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Costs

EVs not only win the race when it comes to running costs, but they also offer far lower maintenance expenses. With no engine oil, no spark plugs, no exhaust systems, and far fewer moving parts, an EV requires minimal upkeep. This makes them far more convenient and cost-effective to maintain than either ICE or hybrid vehicles.

Hybrids, by contrast, require the maintenance of both the gasoline engine and the electric components, often leading to higher maintenance costs over time compared to a full EV. This dual-system complexity can make hybrids a more expensive option in the long run.

EV vs Hybrid: Charging Infrastructure and Range Anxiety – No Longer a Concern

A few years ago, many people—including myself—were concerned about EV charging infrastructure. But after analyzing my last four years of outstation trips, I found that this worry was largely unfounded. My longest trip was a 500 km journey from Gurgaon to Lucknow, with only 4-5 trips around the 300 km range. Modern EVs like mine offer ranges upwards of 400-500 km on a single charge, and with chargers available every 30-40 km along major highways, even long-distance travel is no longer an issue.

kia ev6 interior india

While hybrids offer extended range with their gasoline backup, the charging infrastructure for EVs has grown to the point where range anxiety is a thing of the past for most users. With the government and private sector rapidly installing new chargers across the country, even outstation trips in an EV are now easy and worry-free.

EV vs Hybrid: India’s EV Revolution – The Confidence Booster

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XUV.e9 Concept

Another aspect that gave me confidence in choosing an EV over a hybrid is the massive shift towards EVs in India. With manufacturers like Maruti, Tata, Mahindra, Kia, and Hyundai rolling out new EV models in the next few years, the market is clearly moving towards electrification. Maruti alone has three new EVs in the pipeline, Tata is set to add two more, and Mahindra has five EV SUVs on the horizon.

This growing competition is pushing EV prices down, while simultaneously improving technology and infrastructure. The government’s focus on expanding solar energy, especially in states like Rajasthan, means that in the future, EVs will not only be cheaper to run but also powered by renewable energy, making them an even more environmentally friendly option than hybrids.

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EV vs Hybrid: The Green Factor – EVs for a Sustainable Future

Hybrids are still tied to fossil fuels, and while they offer lower emissions than ICE vehicles, they can’t match the zero tailpipe emissions of a full EV. As India continues to push for lower carbon emissions and greater adoption of green energy, EVs are a clear winner.

Mahindra XUV.e8
Mahindra XUV.e8 Concept

In fact, the lifecycle emissions of EVs are already 40% lower than those of ICE vehicles, and this number will improve as more renewable energy is used to power them. With India’s growing reliance on solar and wind energy, and thousands of acres of new solar farms being installed every month, EVs are the only true long-term solution to reducing our carbon footprint.

Conclusion: Why EVs Are the Better Choice Over Hybrids

While hybrids offer a step in the right direction, they are still a stopgap solution in the broader shift to sustainable transportation. EVs are not just cheaper to run, they are easier to maintain, better for the environment, and thanks to the growing competition in the market, they are now priced competitively with both hybrids and ICE vehicles.

For me, the choice was clear. After years of driving traditional cars, I’ve embraced the future with my new EV. It delivers the performance, cost savings, and environmental benefits that hybrids simply can’t match. And with India’s EV revolution well underway, the time to go fully electric has never been better.