Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Basics

Hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) are bringing our future into the now. Hybrids and EVs now include cars, trucks, transit buses and even some tractor-trailers that are at least partially powered by electricity. Hybrids and EVs offer high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions with the power, styles and convenience of our traditional gas and diesel-powered vehicles. Saving our environment is becoming more and more of a need, and the automotive industry is taking a front seat in that movement. Read more so we at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bentonville, Arkansas can break it down for you.

What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric vehicle?

Hybrids offer a gasoline or diesel engine along with an electric motor that can be charged by regenerative braking or by plugging them in. Electric vehicles operate entirely on electricity and need to be plugged in to charge the battery. One example of an electric vehicle from Jeep is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. 

Learn more about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Do you need any special equipment?

The answer is no. Whichever hybrid or EV you buy will come equipped with a converter that changes standard AC power from your home outlets into the DC power needed to recharge your vehicle. This process takes a bit longer than a charging station would, but It is easily doable, especially if you charge overnight. If you would like to cut your charging time in half you could install electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) at your home. EVSE supplies 240 volts of electricity which cuts charging time in half. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is a great example of a hybrid vehicle. It was even recognized as the best hybrid minivan.

Learn more about how the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was recognized as the best hybrid minivan

Savings

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), our nation’s current gas price average for regular unleaded gas is $3.29. That cost adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. With a hybrid, you can cut that cost in half and with an EV you can eliminate that bill entirely. Hybrids and EVs cost more on the front end, but over time the savings far exceed the overall price of the vehicle. 

What does this mean for our environment?

Electric cars and trucks produce cleaner emissions than gasoline or diesel vehicles. When driving, vehicle exhaust releases carbon monoxide, which threatens human life, and carbon dioxide, which is a significant contribution to global warming. 

If you have any more questions, McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bentonville, Arkansas can help! We serve Bentonville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Eureka Springs, Pea Ridge, Gravette, Centerton, Sulphur Springs and Jane, MO areas. Drop in and we’d love to explain more.

Posted in Plug-in Hybrid | No Comments »