Comparing Electric, Hybrid, and Gas Vehicles

Conventional Gas Vehicles

Conventional vehicles use an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline or diesel to power the drivetrain. Gas-powered vehicles are equipped with a battery to start the engine and power some electronics and accessories, but electricity is not used to move the vehicle^[1].

Conventional Hybrid Vehicles

Conventional hybrids, also referred to as hybrid electric vehicles, work by supplementing the internal combustion engine with electrical power produced by an on-board electric motor. The electrical system acts as a generator when a driver applies the brakes, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in a small battery pack.

They offer about 40% more fuel efficiency than conventional gas-powered vehicles, on average^[2] . However, the primary fuel is gasoline or diesel, and conventional hybrids can’t be plugged in for charging.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is equipped with a larger battery than a conventional hybrid car, that can be charged by plugging into an electric outlet or EV charging station. PHEVs are designed with a gasoline or diesel engine as a backup fuel source. After the battery power is exhausted, the internal combustion engine starts, and the vehicle acts like a conventional hybrid until it is plugged in to recharge.

Most PHEVs have an all-electric range of 20 to 50 miles, allowing many drivers to complete a typical commute on electricity alone. When operating on hybrid mode, PHEVs have comparable fuel efficiency to conventional hybrids – in the range of 30-50 mpg – depending on the vehicle make and model.

New Yorkers can receive between $500 to $1,000 off the purchase price of dozens of PHEV models through the Drive Clean Rebate. Many PHEV models are also eligible for IRA tax credits of up to $7,500. A growing market for used electric vehicles represents another opportunity to drive electric and save with a pre-owned EV.

Battery-Powered Electric Vehicles

A battery-powered electric vehicle, or battery electric vehicle (BEV), has an electric motor in place of an internal combustion engine powered by gasoline or diesel. The vehicle’s battery pack powers the vehicle, and it is recharged by plugging into an outlet or charging equipment. BEVs have zero tailpipe emissions, and they do not need oil changes or as much maintenance as vehicles with internal combustion engines.

Battery-powered EVs range from sedans to trucks and school buses. For passenger vehicles, drivers can expect between 110 and 300+ miles in range, depending on the vehicle size and design ^[3].

Many BEVs are eligible for a Drive Clean Rebate of up to $2,000 and IRA tax credits.

Which Types of Cars Qualify for the Drive Clean Rebate?

Both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles are eligible for the Drive Clean Rebate. The total rebate amount can range from $500 to $2,000 based on the model’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and all-electric range.

• Greater than 200-mile range: $2,000 rebate
• 40- to 199-mile range: $1,000 rebate
• Less than 40-mile range: $500 rebate
• MSRP greater than $42,000: $500 rebate

What About EV Charging?

Charging an electric vehicle at home is typically the most cost-effective option, especially if your home has on-site solar panels or community solar. New Yorkers interested in installing a home EV charger could be eligible for an IRA tax credit to cover 30% of the cost, capped at $1,000. To qualify, your home must be in an eligible low-income or non-urban census tract .

A growing network of EV charging stations is also making charging at work, school, and on the road easier.