Electric Car or Hybrid: Which to Choose?

March 11 2025,

Electric Car or Hybrid: Which to Choose?

Hybrid car or electric car? This is a question many ask before making a more definitive choice. To see more clearly, here are the main differences between hybrid and electric.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Cars

A woman looks at a 2025 Cadillac Lyriq being charged

Increasingly on the market, electric vehicles such as the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq or Celestiq are dominating our roads and gaining popularity. There are several advantages to purchasing this type of vehicle, starting with the maintenance costs of Cadillac vehicles, but a few disadvantages also need to be highlighted.

Advantages of the electric car

Disadvantages of the electric car

- Reduction of the carbon footprint
- Enhances driving experience
- Quiet
- Powerful
- More economical than fuel
- Savings on car insurance premiums
- Less costly maintenance
- Possibility of government subsidies

- In winter, range is reduced in terms of mileage
- High purchase cost
- Relative autonomy for certain models
- Availability of charging stations
- Charging time

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars

Hybrid cars are available in two modes: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The former does not need an electric outlet for recharging, whereas the latter requires a charging time at an electric charging point.

As with the electric car, let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of the hybrid car:

Advantages of the hybrid car

Disadvantages of the hybrid car

- Contributes to improving environmental quality
- Limited cost at the pump
- In the city, the electric mode will save you money
- Proven road performances

- High long-term maintenance cost of the hybrid car
- High purchase cost
- Frequent battery recharge
- In some models, the cabin is reduced due to the space needed for the battery
- Very limited autonomy in electric mode
- Cost of a hybrid car battery

Understanding the difference between an electric car and a hybrid

Interior view of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ highlighting the control panel

Electric and hybrid cars do not operate in the same way. The electric vehicle consists only of batteries, generating power exclusively in electric mode.

The hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid car uses two types of engines: an electric engine and a thermal engine. While the hybrid car charges while driving, the plug-in hybrid car must be charged at an electric charging station.

However, note that there are government subsidies for plug-in hybrid cars, just as there are for electric cars.

Which type of vehicle suits your lifestyle?

Hybrid or electric, what should you choose? Depending on your lifestyle, you will choose one or the other.

In the city

If you frequently travel in urban centers, the hybrid or electric car will be a good choice, but more so the electric vehicle. You will save on your travels and consume little fuel; the electric mode of the hybrid car will initially be offered to you.

For long distances regularly

It is often said in a hybrid vs. electric comparison that the hybrid wins over the electric on the highway.

If you drive, for example, a 2023 Cadillac Escalade IQ, you can travel 740 km before stopping at a charging station. Therefore, there will be no worries about covering long distances in such a vehicle.

Budget

If the cost of acquiring a hybrid or electric car is higher than that of a gasoline car, know that you will save in the long run on maintenance costs, mainly for the electric car.

Certainly, the charging cost for the hybrid car will be more significant due to the frequency of recharging required.

Also, note that there are electricity subsidies when purchasing or leasing a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle.

In summary

Hybrid or electric car, which to choose? For this question, according to your lifestyle, you will choose one or the other.

Summary table comparing the advantages and disadvantages of electric and hybrid cars

However, the long-range electric car is becoming more and more efficient and delivers excellent results, as we can see at Cadillac with more electric models.

Come discover the entire range of electric vehicles at the Cadillac dealership, Cadillac Laval, near Montreal, West Island, near the North Shore of Montreal, and Blainville. A passionate team awaits you and takes the time to answer all your questions about the electrification of its vehicles.

Finally, take advantage of the beneficial solutions of Cadillac financing and the current Cadillac offers and promotions.

Rear view of the Cadillac Escalade IQ parked in front of a contemporary house

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