The future of the automobile depends on electrification in order to reduce polluting emissions as well as our dependence on oil. Over the next decade, 100% electric vehicles will gain popularity, possibly at the expense of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

The difference between these types of engines is very simple. Conventional hybrid technology, which appeared on the market in the early 2000s, uses one or more electric motors to assist the traditional combustion engine during take-off and at idle, reducing fuel consumption. These electric motors are connected to a small battery which recharges while the car is running.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles work similarly, but have a higher capacity battery, and you can plug these vehicles into a power outlet to charge them, allowing for more pure electric driving range. Plug-in hybrids typically cost a few thousand dollars more than equivalent hybrid models.

As for the fully electric car, it abandons the combustion engine for one or more powerful electric motors as well as a larger battery pack. In the most recent electric vehicles, the range is close to that of conventional cars. 100% electric cars and trucks are more expensive than plug-in hybrids, however, and they offer less freedom.

Most experts agree that for most buyers looking to save money on fuel, the perfect option right is a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. It lets you go wherever you want to go without worrying about charging stations and range, but you can also do most of your daily commutes with little or no fuel consumption.

To learn more about the advantages of driving a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, contact us at Whitby Toyota and test drive the new Prius, Prius with all-wheel drive or Prius Prime plug-in hybrid!