Is a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Full-Electric Vehicle Right for Me?
How to Know if a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully
Electric Car is Right for You
Are you in the market for an electrified vehicle in Amherst, NY? Then you will want to visit Northtown Automotive and check out our selection of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. Each of these vehicle types offers potential benefits and drawbacks, depending on what you are looking for in an electrified vehicle. Here is a guide to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric cars to help you make an informed decision when you shop for one at Northtown Automotive.
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles combine a gas engine with an electric motor to improve fuel economy and, in some cases, performance. Hybrid vehicles are increasingly common, with many popular models either coming standard with a hybrid engine or offering one as an available option. The electric motor of a regular hybrid engine is powered by a small battery that is charged as you drive the vehicle thanks to regenerative braking. The battery can shut off at low speed or while the vehicle is coasting to preserve power as well. A vehicle with a hybrid engine can help you save money on gas.
Hybrid Vehicle Pros
- Have excellent fuel economies
- Produce lower emissions than regular gas engines
- Don't need to be plugged in to recharge the battery
Hybrid Vehicle Cons
- Sometimes more expensive than gas-engine counterparts
- Usually have a continuously variable transmission, which can increase revving during acceleration.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs, offer some of the benefits of both regular hybrids and electric vehicles. Like hybrids, PHEVs combine a gas engine with an electric motor that is powered by a battery. The battery of a PHEV is larger and more powerful than that of a hybrid, and needs to be plugged in to recharge. Because PHEVs have a more powerful battery than hybrids, they usually have even better fuel economies and more powerful performance. They can usually drive at least some distance using only electric power.
Plug-in Hybrid Pros
- Usually capable of fully electric driving for around 20 to 40 miles
- Often more powerful than hybrid or gas-engine vehicles
- Typically boast outstanding fuel economies
- Let you utilize fully electric performance for everyday driving and gas engine for longer trips
- Often eligible for federal tax incentives
Plug-in Hybrid Cons
- Need to be plugged in to recharge
- Some models are less fuel-efficient than regular hybrids once the battery is depleted.
Fully Electric Vehicles
Fully electric vehicles, or EVs, don't use gas or diesel fuel at all. They are powered by one or more electric motors that get their power from a large battery. EVs can range from compact hatchbacks to huge pickup trucks, and different models provide different levels of power, driving ranges, and recharge times.
Electric Vehicle Pros
- You never have to worry about filling up on gas with an EV
- The amount you spend recharging an EV is usually substantially less than the cost of gas
- EVs have no engines, so maintenance usually costs less
- EVs produce no tailpipe emissions
- The lack of an engine provides a quiet driving experience
- Electric powertrains can provide near-instant torque
Electric Vehicle Cons
- EVs usually cost more than their hybrid or gas-engine counterparts
- When planning a long trip in an EV, you need to plan your route based on the locations of public charging stations
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures can reduce the driving range
- EVs often have shorter driving ranges than hybrids, PHEV, or gas-engine vehicles
- Charging an EV at home can take most of the day, while a full charge at a DC fast-charging station can take 20 to 40 minutes
Take Your Next Electrified Vehicle on a Test Drive Today
Are you ready to see which hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle at Northtown Automotive Companies is right for you? Then visit our dealerships and take your ideal model on a test drive. To schedule your test drive, contact us!
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Northtown Automotive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-614-0500
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Northtown Honda
2277 Niagara Falls Blvd
Amherst, NY 14228
- Sales: (716) 243-3221
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Genesis of Buffalo
8143 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
- Sales: 716-831-2900
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Northtown Resale Center
1035 Millersport Hwy
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 866-650-7404
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Northtown Collision Centre
3840 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-614-1900
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Jaguar Buffalo
621 Getzville Rd.
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: (716) 831-3100
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Northtown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT
2020 Niagara Falls Blvd
Tonawanda, NY 14150-5545
- Sales: (716) 616-3299
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Land Rover Buffalo
621 Getzville Rd.
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: (716) 831-3100
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Northtown Volkswagen
3800 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-926-8710
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Northtown Volvo Cars Buffalo
8135 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
- Sales: (716) 795-8657
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incard
1135 Millersport Highway
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-839-4600 x 176
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Northtown Hyundai
3675 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-992-6536
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Northtown Kia
3900 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: (716) 217-2390
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Northtown Lexus
3845 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-614-0500
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Northtown Mazda
3920 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-217-2392
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Porsche Buffalo
8135 Main St
Williamsville, NY 14221
- Sales: 716-795-8692
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Northtown Preowned
1035 Millersport Highway
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-745-4574
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Northtown Subaru
3930 Sheridan Dr
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-992-6547
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Northtown Toyota
1135 Millersport Highway
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-926-4191
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Loans OK
Amherst, NY 14226
- Sales: 716-302-5123
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Loans OK Sheridan
3900 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY -
Loans OK Tonwanda
2020 Niagara Falls Blvd
Tonawanda, NY -
Platinum Plus
Amherst, NY
- Sales: 716-442-2839
