When buying a new car, should you choose an electric or a hybrid?
Given the tax policies, transportation infrastructure, and car prices in Vietnam, many Vietnamese customers are unsure whether to choose an electric car or a hybrid car when buying a new vehicle.
The electrification race is in full swing among automakers, resulting in an increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicle models in the Vietnamese market. In just the last two years, automakers have launched dozens of different electric vehicle models. Along with the Vietnamese automaker VinFast, Chinese automakers have also introduced many new electric vehicle models to gauge consumer preferences and anticipate the trend of Vietnamese consumers switching from gasoline to electric vehicles.
Along with battery-powered electric vehicles requiring charging stations, hybrid vehicles, considered suitable for Vietnam's transportation infrastructure, are becoming increasingly popular. Japanese automakers such as Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki are demonstrating their dominance by successively adding hybrid versions of their already popular internal combustion engine models.
Over the past three years, Toyota has added hybrid versions to many models in its lineup. Honda has also launched the CR-V e:HEV and, most recently, the Civic e:HEV, both using a hybrid platform. Suzuki has also discontinued the XL7 with an internal combustion engine, replacing it with a hybrid version. Furthermore, Korean automakers like Kia and Hyundai have also introduced hybrid versions of some models in their product range in Vietnam.
The increasing number of electric and hybrid car models on the Vietnamese automotive market has left many new car buyers or those looking to upgrade wondering whether to choose an electric or hybrid vehicle. In reality, considering tax policies, transportation infrastructure, and product pricing in Vietnam, each type of vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Hybrid cars don't require worrying about charging stations, but they come with a relatively high price tag.
Essentially, a hybrid car is a type of vehicle that uses a powertrain combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This combination provides powerful performance and better fuel efficiency compared to vehicles using only internal combustion engines. The advantages of hybrid cars include smooth operation and fuel economy; on long journeys, users only need to refuel, thus saving time and eliminating worries about recharging the battery.
Furthermore, hybrid technology is more stable and reliable than electric vehicles. This gives drivers confidence in its durability. According to iSeeCars, a company specializing in research and surveys of the used car market, hybrid models dominate the list of the top 10 most frequently purchased and longest-used cars by consumers. A large proportion of these are Toyota hybrid models such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Toyota Prius.
However, a drawback of hybrid vehicles is their relatively high price compared to internal combustion engine versions, and their continued reliance on fossil fuels. For example, the standard CR-V G version of the Honda CR-V costs 1.029 billion VND, while the hybrid version – the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS – costs up to 1.259 billion VND. Hybrid vehicles in Vietnam currently come in various types, including mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid.
Electric vehicles are fuel-efficient and powerful, but require longer battery charging times.
Meanwhile, fully electric cars are considered environmentally friendly and non-polluting. The advantages of electric cars include smooth and powerful operation, rapid acceleration, and lower running costs compared to hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, manufacturers integrate many modern technologies and features into electric cars. In Vietnam, electric cars currently benefit from a policy of exemption from registration fees.
However, electric cars require time to charge their batteries. Especially when driving long distances, users rely on charging stations. Charging an electric car also takes more time than refueling a hybrid vehicle.
Should you choose an electric car or a hybrid car?
Each type of vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages, and suits the needs of different customer groups. Hybrid cars are generally suitable for those who don't want to worry about charging. Hybrid cars can be used as the sole vehicle in the household, ideal for long trips without having to search for charging stations or calculate charging schedules. Furthermore, in the Vietnamese market today, most hybrid cars come from Japanese manufacturers. This makes them suitable for those who don't want to change cars frequently.
Meanwhile, electric cars are suitable for daily commuting in the city or on routes with charging station infrastructure, especially for those who like to access new technologies and diverse features.
