Hybrid vs. electric vehicle comparisons are all the rage these days. If you're here because you want to see a no-holds-barred EV vs. hybrid debate, that's exactly what you'll get. Obviously, the primary difference between hybrid and electric cars is their powertrains, but they also have varying charge times, price points, maintenance costs, and environmental impacts.
If you're curious about hybrid vs. electric cars, pros and cons of long-term ownership, plug-in hybrid vs. electric range, or anything else, then buckle up, because we've got all the details you need to make an eco-friendly choice!
Hybrid engines use an innovation called regenerative braking to capture and recycle energy from your car's brakes, use that energy to power up your vehicle's battery, and ultimately create a more efficient powertrain that uses less fuel than a gas-only model.
Moving up to a plug-in hybrid powertrain gives you a combination of gas and electric power, so you can fill your tank at a gas station and charge up your battery at a charging station. PHEVs rely on their electric power first and use gasoline as a backup, so you're essentially getting a two-in-one vehicle.
If you prefer all-electric power with zero emissions that never need to go to a gas station, an electric car or SUV only uses electricity to power its motor. You'll need a home charger for your EV, or you can power up on the road at one of thousands of public charging stations.
Other key differences are hybrid vs. electric charge time and driving range. Hybrid vehicles do not plug in, but PHEVs and EVs do. Most plug-in hybrids can gain 100% charge in five to six hours on a Level 1 home charger or in about three hours on a Level 2 home charger. Plug-in electric vehicles can usually drive up to about 40 miles on all-electric power before switching to gas consumption and often have a total electric/gas driving range of 310 to 460 miles, depending on make, model, and trim.
Choose a fully electric vehicle and you can expect to gain between 30 and 50 miles of driving range in one or two hours at a Level 2 home charger, which means you can easily recharge your battery overnight. At a public DC fast-charging station, an EV can typically charge to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour. Depending on the automaker and vehicle you choose, an EV can also give you an all-electric driving range between 80 and 420 miles.
Comparing hybrid or EV price points shows us that hybrid models tend to be less expensive than plug-in or all-electric variants, but this makes sense – the more high-tech a vehicle's powertrain, the more detailed its parts and construction need to be.
Keep in mind, however, that while a hybrid car or SUV might have a lower sticker price, a PHEV or EV is more likely to be eligible for federal and state tax credits (as we'll discuss below), and they'll save you exponentially more money by reducing or eliminating your need to buy gas.
Maintenance costs vary greatly across automakers and between hybrid or electric designs, so choosing the most cost-effective make and model is another critical factor in saving as much money as possible.
RepairPal.com estimates that a new Mercedes-Benz SUV costs an average of $908 per year1 to maintain, while a Cadillac model averages only $783 in annual repairs and maintenance.2 Electric vehicles also tend to need fewer repairs and less maintenance than hybrid or plug-in hybrid models thanks to their streamlined motors.
With gas prices continuing to skyrocket, any break you can get at the pump is welcome. A hybrid vehicle is more likely to have a lower MSRP than the rest of the group, but your long-term ownership costs will depend on how far and how frequently you drive and how much fuel costs increase.
Plug-in hybrids are a great middle ground – they give you the advantage of electric-first driving and preserve the gas in your fuel tank until it's needed, thus cutting your gas expenses. Powering up your PHEV or EV battery at a Level 2 charger will likely cost you between $0.20 and $0.25 per kWh, and a DC fast-charger usually costs $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh.
Some PHEVs and EVs come with Level 1 chargers, like the Cadillac LYRIQ, but you will need to pay a professional to install your Level 2 home charger. This is a one-time payment, usually around $1,000, for a lifetime of charging.
The convenience of a hybrid vs. electric car or SUV depends on your preferences. If stopping at a gas station every few days doesn't add stress to your week, then a hybrid model is a great way to boost your fuel economy. Do you want the ability to drive on all-electric or gas power? A PHEV can do both.
Some eco-conscious drivers want to ditch the fuel pump altogether and go all-in on an all-electric model. The convenience of simply plugging your EV into an outlet, whether that's a 120-volt standard, a Level 2 charge box, or a public DC fast-charger, means you have the freedom to charge up anywhere, anytime.
All hybrid and electric vehicles help protect the environment by reducing drivers' fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. As new EPA policies emerge and the world continues to fight climate change, drivers who choose vehicles that run as efficiently as possible can feel better in the driver's seat. PHEV and EV models also reduce noise pollution with their quiet electric motors.
Many new hybrid and electric models qualify for federal and state tax credits, and even though the list of eligible vehicles changes each year to keep up with EPA standards, the Bravo Cadillac team can help you unlock every possible savings.
As a general rule, hybrid vehicles are not eligible for federal tax credits, but PHEV and EV models may save you up to $7,5003 when you file your taxes in April. Texas and New Mexico drivers can even apply their federal tax credit when purchasing their new EV from a qualified dealer to turn their $7,500 credit into immediate savings!3
Certain plug-in hybrids and all-electric options can also qualify for state tax credits. For example, a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit3 and a $500 New York State Drive Clean Rebate.4 Purchase your new EV from Bravo Cadillac El Paso and you could qualify for up to $1,200 in charging rebates5 as well!
Now that we've explored the key differences in hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vs. electric powertrains, we're thrilled to introduce you to the outstanding lineup of Cadillac options we carry in our showroom. The brand recently announced plans to become a fully electric automaker in the near future to help drivers save as much as possible and reduce their carbon footprint, and our inventory reflects this shift.
At Bravo Cadillac El Paso, you'll find a premium selection of new and pre-owned Cadillac hybrids for sale. If you love the aggressive stance of a 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, for example, talk with our staff about finding a used model! We may even be able to find you a 2013 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, which was the last year this SUV was manufactured.
The 2024 lineup doesn't include any Cadillac PHEV options, but past model years did. If you enjoyed the styling of the CT6 Cadillac Plug-In Hybrid sedan, take a look at its replacement, the all-electric Cadillac CELESTIQ. Although the automaker hasn't announced plans for a Cadillac XT6 Hybrid just yet, the brand does offer these stunning electric Cadillac models:
The brand also has plans for an all-electric compact SUV, the 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ, and an all-electric three-row SUV, the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ!
2024 Cadillac LYRIQ |
 2024 Cadillac CELESTIQ |
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ |
|
| Motor | All-Electric | All-Electric | All-Electric |
| Body Style | Midsize Luxury SUV | Luxury Sedan | Full-Size Luxury SUV |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 60.8 cu ft | Not Yet Announced | 119.2 cu ft |
| Front Trunk Capacity | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 12.2 cu ft |
| EPA-Est. Range/MPGe/MPG | Up to 314 mi6 | Not Yet Announced | Up to 450 mi6 |
| Charging Cable Included? | Yes | Not Yet Announced | Yes |
| Comfort & Technology Features |
33-in Diagonal Advanced LED Display Customizable One-Pedal Driving Available Super Cruise Hands-Free Driving Google Built-In Active Noise Cancellation Available 26-Color LED Ambient Lighting |
Adaptive Air Ride Cadillac's Lowest-Ever Drag Coefficient Advanced HD Interactive Displays Smart Glass Panoramic Sunroof Four-Zone Micro-Climate System Active Rear Steering |
Available Executive Second Row Tinted & UV-Treated Panoramic Roof Available Thermal-Imaging Night Vision Power Open & Close Doors Head-Up Display HD Surround Vision |
Give your wallet and the environment a break by choosing a new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle like the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ for sale at Bravo Cadillac. Test-drive a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ to experience next-level all-electric range, or hit the road in a new XT6 Hybrid for luxury SUV space and specs!
Ready to start your electrified adventure? Whether you prefer a pre-owned Cadillac Escalade Hybrid or you want to chat with our team about the upcoming 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, we've got the models you need to add style, sophistication, and savings to your daily drives.
Hybrid vehicles pair a gas engine with an electric motor to power their propulsion. Hybrid cars and SUVs capture energy from braking to recharge the electric motor while driving, giving you more efficient engine performance and fuel economy.
The EV Mode button on a hybrid vehicle allows the engine to run on electric power at low speeds for a limited distance, usually only one to three miles. This range can help you back out of the driveway silently if you leave for work early in the morning.
A hybrid vehicle isn't classified as an electric vehicle because it relies on gasoline to drive, but a hybrid model does capture and recycle electric energy while it's running to optimize its performance and fuel efficiency.
A hybrid car or SUV might be better if you prefer a gas-powered engine that doesn't require electric recharging at home or on the road. However, a plug-in or fully electric car gives you better driving range and fuel economy.
Cadillac has previously made plug-in hybrid hybrid vehicles, but their 2024 lineup focuses on gas-powered and electric models. Choose a new Cadillac LYRIQ or ask our staff about pre-ordering an electric Cadillac Escalade!
A mild hybrid powertrain uses an integrated starter-generator to boost the engine's output without the need for plug-in recharging. Mild hybrids cannot switch to electric-only power, but they can improve their fuel economy.
Cadillac recently announced that it plans to offer a mixture of gas-powered and all-electric vehicles through 2030 so that drivers can have the luxury of choice when purchasing or leasing a new Cadillac vehicle.
1This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://repairpal.com/mercedes-benz
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://repairpal.com/cadillac
3At the time of writing. Incentives are subject to change without notice and are intended for informational purposes only. Please note that this is not tax advice. Consult with your tax adviser for further details and to determine eligibility.
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Inflation-Reduction-Act/Vehicles
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.edmunds.com/electric-car/tax-credits-rebates-incentives/texas/.
6EPA estimated. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, use and maintenance.
