EVs vs Strong Hybrids: The Dilemma

Let’s assume you are on the hunt for a new car with a Rs 20 lakh budget. With skyrocketing fuel prices, looking at cars with impressive fuel economy has become the norm. Moreover, with the advent of all-electrics, more options exist. That kind of money would get you a Tata Nexon EV Max, the best-selling EV in India, or a couple of new hybrid vehicles, namely the Honda City Hybrid, Toyota Hyryder and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Now that is a possible dilemma and we figured we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of EVs and strong hybrids in an attempt to make your life easier.

Why should you consider a strong hybrid? 

Range anxiety and long-distance touring

First and foremost, if you are someone who does a considerable amount of highway trips, you should definitely look at a hybrid instead of an EV. For instance, the Nexon EV Max has a commendable ARAI-certified range of 437km and a real-world range of around 300km on one full charge. These are good figures for an EV but this fades into the background when you factor in a full-tank range of a strong hybrid. Provided you get around 22kmpl, with a full tank capacity of 55 litres, you are looking at a range of just over 1200km. 

Thanks to our Drive To Death test, we do know the Honda City Hybrid can deliver around 23.38kmpl out on the highway, but then again, we also realised that various conditions affect the fuel economy in a strong hybrid and it is not as white-and-black as it looks. The same is also applicable to EVs to an extent. 

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid vs Honda City Hybrid: Performance And Fuel Efficiency Compared

Our road tests revealed the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara returns more fuel economy in the city than on the highway. This is not news as hybrids use more battery power inside the city and hence use the least amount of fuel. Nevertheless, a strong hybrid is still leagues ahead of a mild hybrid or a conventional ICE when it comes to efficiency.

Furthermore, range anxiety is real folks, and out of those 300kms in an EV, 80-odd kms will be more like a reserve; and if that bothers and triggers your anxiety, you should give EVs another look before you take the plunge. 

• Advantages Of Strong Hybrid Over Mild Hybrid

Better top speed and dynamics

EVs are heavy and that is one of their biggest disadvantages. This heft comes into play when you want to hustle the car around some twisties. EVs are generally not as polished as conventional ICE-engined cars when it comes to ride and handling. So if these rank high in your list, a strong hybrid might be a better option for you. Moreover, EVs also suffer from relatively lesser top speed than ICE-engined cars. For example, the Nexon EV Max has a top speed of 140kmph, while the City hybrid has a top speed of around 180kmph. EVs are also not very comfortable staying near their top speeds as it tends to drop the range.

More car for the money

EVs are a novel tech right now, and hence are on the dearer side. The Nexon EV, which is basically a sub-4m SUV, is the EV option for Rs 20 lakhs, while for the same money you can get a proper compact SUV with a huge array of features as well. So, if you prefer more features and need a car that will wow you with the same, a strong hybrid is the one that might fit your bill. 

Why should you get an EV?

Green and cheaper to run

There is no comparison here as EVs are the cleaner running option of the two, being zero-emission vehicles, unlike a hybrid, which has an engine. There is also no contest when it comes to running costs, especially with how fuel is priced today.

Lucky for you, we did a detailed test of Tigor EV vs CNG vs petrol. And what we figured out from this test is that the petrol version needs Rs 6.39 for every km, while the EV needs only Rs 2.55. So if you want to drive for 500kms, an ICE-engined car will set you back Rs 3,195, whereas an EV can do the same at Rs 1,275. Doing the bigger math, monthly and yearly savings are definitely going to make you happy. 

Easier maintenance

Since there is no engine which gulps fuel and survives on synthetic oil or coolant, EVs tend to be more affordable to maintain than a conventional ICE-powered car. EVs require periodic checks and upkeep as well, but they will be more affordable in contrast. That said, EVs have another fly-in-the-ointment which comes in the form of replacing the battery when its life-cycle ends. The Li-ion battery pack in every EV has a life and in the long-run (approx 10 years), it needs to be replaced and that is going to be anything but cheap.

Refinement and better acceleration

EVs are fun and fast. The instant torque from the electric motor(s) can be addictive and it helps in making the car faster off the line. Numbers? The Nexon EV Max does 0-100kmph in 9 secs flat, and it feels much faster, thanks to the instant torque available on top. On the opposite side, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder takes a leisurely 13 seconds to get to the ton according to our V-box. 

What you also get along with this acceleration is a refinement which you can never experience in a conventional car (unless it is something like an S-Class). EVs are eerily silent and refined, thanks to the absence of you know what. 

Also read: 

• Upcoming Mass-market Electric Cars In The Country: Tata Tiago EV, Mahindra XUV400, Citroen C3 EV, And MG’s Electric Car

• Plans For Manufacturing In India, What Makes Their EVs Special And More: In Conversation With Henrik Fisker, Founder, Chairman And CEO At Fisker Inc

In brief, both these options have their own pros and cons. EVs are here to stay, definitely transforming the industry at a good pace. But hybrids make a strong case for themselves and actually sit right in between an EV and a conventional car. If you feel an EV is still not the go-to option for you yet, a hybrid is sure to impress with its fuel economy and features on offer. And if you think an EV suits your case, what’s really stopping you?