Joe Kusumoto/Courtesy photo
Dear Eartha, I’m thinking about getting a more environmentally friendly vehicle that works with my Summit County lifestyle. I’m torn between a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric vehicle. What are the benefits of each?
Living in the mountains adds a unique twist to choosing any vehicle. With winding roads, snowy winters and trips through the tunnel, our cars need to handle various conditions. Whether you’re considering a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric vehicle, each option has its benefits and drawbacks — it’s certainly not an easy decision.
Plug-in hybrid: best of both worlds?
A hybrid has both an electric and gas motor. The battery gives you the option to drive electric for short trips — usually between 20-55 miles. This makes plug-in hybrids a good balance for folks who aren’t quite ready to commit to full electric.
Why choose a plug-in hybrid?
- No range anxiety: Worried about running out of charge while deep in the backcountry? The gas engine kicks in when the battery’s drained.
- Lower fuel costs: You can handle short commutes on electric power, reducing fuel costs.
- Faster refueling: It only takes a few minutes to fill up at the pump, and you can plug into a charger whenever it’s convenient for you.
- Winter versatility: In cold climates, batteries lose efficiency. With a hybrid, that’s no biggie —you’ve got gas to rely on when needed.
Potential drawbacks to plug-in hybrids:
- Shorter electric range: The battery’s range is great for daily drives, but you’ll likely rely on the gas engine more often.
- Maintenance costs: With a combustion engine, you have more moving parts. That means you’ll still have to deal with regular maintenance like oil changes and transmission repairs — things you wouldn’t need with a fully electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles: All-electric, all the time!
Going fully electric means saying goodbye to gas stations for good. Electric vehicles run entirely on electricity, and because grid-supplied electricity is increasingly renewable, they’re a top choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Why go fully electric?
Potential drawbacks:
What about incentives?
Fortunately, both hybrids and electric vehicles come with plenty of incentives to make them cost competitive to traditional combustion engine vehicles:
So, which is right for you?
Ultimately, both hybrid and electric vehicles are excellent options for reducing your carbon footprint. The right choice comes down to your driving habits and needs. Which one fits your lifestyle best?
Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.
