There’s something liberating about owning a car. The road is yours to travel; you can visit family and friends and take exciting road trips. It’s a whole new world of independence that you can grab with both hands (quite literally). Whether you’re a motorhead or still looking for the best car for you, it can be hard to know which type of car is right, especially when it’s between battery-fuel cars and electric cars.

It can be difficult to make the switch from a battery-powered car to an electric car when you’re not quite sure what makes them different. In instances like this, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of each type of car before committing to a decision. Knowing what type of car you want and what you can afford, will help you put things into perspective and make the decision-making process easier.

So, let’s unpack those differences now.

What is a battery-powered car?

A battery-powered car is another term for a hybrid vehicle. Battery-powered cars run on a combination of two different types of power: an electric motor and conventional fuel. The great thing about hybrid cars is that they have the ability to give power to the car from these two different sources. They use the stored energy in the batteries in conjunction with the petrol from the engine.

What is an electric car?

An electric car is what we imagined future cars to be. They function by using stored energy in a battery instead of an internal combustion engine. This means that electric cars need to be charged and get their “fuel” solely from electricity. You don’t need to use fuel to power up your car, which is effective in reducing air pollution and reducing the use of valuable fossil fuels.

What is the difference between battery-fuelled cars vs electric cars?

If you think of the American car brand, Tesla, you automatically know that it’s an electric car. It has predominantly electric features and requires the car to be plugged into an electricity source to power the car. Battery-fuelled cars share some similarities with electric cars but have one main difference; they don’t rely solely on electricity but on the propulsion of a petrol engine too. A typical hybrid car battery charges itself while it drives, allowing you to use petrol as the main power source and vice versa.

Pros of Battery-Fuelled Cars vs Electric Cars

Each car type comes with its own set of pros and cons that need to be considered before deciding on whether or not you want to purchase it. Let’s dive into some pros of battery-fuelled cars vs electric cars.

1. Buying incentives

A buying incentive is what you, as a car owner or future car owner, should be aware of when shopping. These encourage brand loyalty, and you can be rewarded for your purchase. Both battery-fuelled cars and electric cars offer customer buying incentives on enquiry. The next time you go to a car dealership, enquire about cash-back rebates, finance incentives, lease deals or any loyalty programmes that could benefit you in the long run.

2. Low running costs

Most cars require a yearly service to keep them running smoothly. As a car owner, you’ll learn just how crucial it is to make sure your car gets serviced yearly. You need to get your oil changed, your brake pads replaced, and ensure that your car is reliable enough to drive you around. Battery-fuelled cars and normal cars require a service every 12 months, whereas electric cars require less maintenance – proving to be efficient in keeping your running costs low.

3. Tax benefits

Both battery-powered cars and electric cars offer tax benefits. For example, when you claim tax on medical aid during tax season, you can claim back VAT on electric and hybrid cars.

How to choose between battery-fuelled cars vs electric cars?

The only way to choose between battery-fuelled cars vs electric cars is based on what you can afford and what your preference is. If you can afford to make the switch from a battery-powered car to a fully electric car, what is stopping you? An electric car has its pros and cons, like many other cars, but is an extremely reliable choice. Hybrid cars are the future of driving and are beneficial for the environment. These types of cars are ideal for the environment-conscious and those wanting to reduce their fuel emissions and save energy. The choice is yours!

Why you should consider purchasing battery-fuelled cars vs electric cars?

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a car. Are there any hidden and additional costs? How much will car insurance be? What type of car style and design are you going for? All of these questions are important to consider before purchasing a battery-fuelled vs electric car. Subaru’s range of battery-fuelled cars is perfect for any driver. You should consider one or the other based on your lifestyle and personal taste preference.

Looking for the best car for you? Why not check out our range of pre-loved and new cars that are waiting to find their forever home? Use our store locator to find your nearest dealership, or pop in today to book the test drive of a lifetime. Call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za for more information.