How Do Hybrid Vehicles Help The Environment?

Chart-topping efficiency

EVs offer a higher level of efficiency than other vehicles on the market—putting time back in your schedule and money back in your wallet. The difference is quantifiable, with many models averaging a rating of 100 MPGe or more.^*

This is the superior choice to your average gas-powered car, as median base models tend to clock around 30 MPG.

^*MPGe is an EPA-specific variable that quantifies the number of miles an EV can drive using the same energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline. It’s directly compared to a gas vehicle’s MPG.

Green energy availability

EVs don’t primarily use fossil fuels to get from point A to point B. Instead, you’ll enjoy the power of green energy or alternative fuels. We’ve summarized what these options mean below:

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV): This is considered a renewable way to fuel your car, as you’ll be using community plug-in sources that are fueled by natural energy flows. While the range on an exclusively-electric model can be competitive, a hybrid model is often the best choice—as drivers have the option of switching to an alternative fuel source (such as fossil fuels) to keep you going over distances that may not have a plug-in station.
• Battery electric vehicles (BEV): These models offer similar benefits and a comparable environmental efficiency score to PHEVs. However, they run exclusively on battery power. These are generally best suited to city driving or local excursions, as it may be difficult to find plug-in locations in more rural areas.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project has done the math, and currently estimates that EV charging costs just half of what you’d pay for fueling a gas car to drive the same distance. Charging at home for local trips can score you even bigger savings.

Lower Overall Emissions

EVs and hybrid’s produce zero tailpipe emissions, and can even be made to emit even less. Certain models of hybrid EVs can produce 0 “well-to-wheel” emissions, which are defined as emissions that are associated with processing, production and distribution within the oil’s lifecycle. This alone can play a major role in the fight against climate change, both from a consumer and industry standpoint.