What’s the best way to enjoy efficient transportation, with an EV, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or turbocharged gas-powered engine? Our guide goes over the basics to help you figure out what kind of powertrain fits into your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- For transportation that runs on electricity alone, check out EVs like the Mustang Mach-E.
- Both hybrids and plug-in hybrids combine gas-powered engines with electric motors to combine proficient power with money saving efficiency.
- Compared to a regular hybrid, a plug-in hybrid tends to be more efficient. However, unlike a regular hybrid, a plug-in hybrid also needs to be regularly recharged.
- Thanks to modern technology, gas-powered models can also be efficient options.
All-Electric Models or EVs
These days, you can enjoy incredible power using battery power alone. The Mustang Mach-E, for example, can deliver up to 480 horsepower! Depending on how you configure yours, this luxury EV can also give you the electrical equivalent of 103 mpg combined (or 103 MPGe).
Of course, to make an EV your everyday driver, you need to have a convenient way to recharge your EV battery. EVs are definitely a great option for anyone with room to park in their garage. But recharging is still possible for drivers who don't have 24-hour access to a power outlet, such as those who live in condos or apartments, thanks to public charging stations.
These are easy to find, thanks to your FordPass app or Connected navigation services. DC Fast Charging stations are an even better option, since they refill your battery in minimal time. Often, these stations can refill your vehicle’s battery up to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Hybrid Models
By pairing a battery-powered motor with a standard internal-combustion engine (ICE), hybrid vehicles offer smooth power and modern efficiency. Unlike with a plug-in hybrid, a hybrid’s motor battery does not need to be recharged. Instead, it’s designed to last for the life of your vehicle. In fact, Ford has a special warranty for hybrid powertrain components, with eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage, whichever comes first. Ford hybrids, like the compact Maverick truck, are designed to provide a powerful modern ride even as they help you save money at the pump.
Plug-in Hybrid Models
Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, are similar to traditional hybrids, because they also combine a gas-fueled engine with a battery-powered motor. Unlike with a traditional hybrid, however, you need to recharge your PHEV motor battery on a regular basis. That means PHEVs are a great option for drivers who have access to a power outlet, such as in their garage. (Drivers who live in apartments, for example, might find it difficult to charge their PHEVs overnight.) For a quicker battery refill, you can install a Level 2 charger in your home.
If you don’t have overnight access to an outlet, you can always check out the public charging stations in your area. Like an EV, you can recharge your PHEV at public stations. PHEVs sold in the U.S. aren’t typically equipped with DC Fast Charging capabilities, unfortunately, but hopefully that will change in the future.
On the bright side, PHEVs are typically more efficient than their hybrid counterparts. The 2023 Escape PHEV, for example, helps you earn the equivalent of 101 mpg combined (or 101 MPGe). Compare that to the 2023 Escape hybrid, which returns an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined.
Gas-Powered Models
Although gas-powered engines might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think “efficiency,” modern internal combustion engines (ICE) are more efficient than ever. Thanks to widely used hardware, like turbochargers and fuel injectors, you can find gas-powered cars that return up to 36 mpg combined!
Decisions, Decisions
As you can see, you can conserve energy in many different ways! To cut fossil fuels out completely, get yourself an EV. To save money on gas, check out hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrids are even more efficient, but they’re best for drivers with easy access to a charger. Finally, for drivers who want to stick with tried-and-true ICE performance, there are lots of thrifty options available!