I’ve been waiting a long time for a new car, but car buyers have more to look forward to than ever when it comes to looking for their next trip. I’ll admit that over the past few months I’ve been spoiled testing some of the most productive EVs on the market, like the futuristic Kia EV9 with 3-row seats, but one thing is clear about most of them: they’re very expensive. .
A recent survey underscores this point, saying that U. S. car buyers are reluctant to buy electric cars because of the price disparity between them and gas-powered cars, and that’s despite the fact that the average value of electric cars continues to fall. I think one option worth considering is hybrids. Right now, anything is better than gas-powered cars. Unless there’s an immense need for them, such as your job, you deserve at least hybrids right now.
After testing an Elantra hybrid for a week, I’m amazed at how far hybrid cars have come since they appeared in the early 2000s. Not only have they become tougher and more effective since then, but they also boast a majority percentage of the same generation and amenities that I’ve noticed in the more expensive and sumptuous electric cars I’ve ever driven.
Price remains a barrier for many consumers contemplating buying an electric vehicle. For example, Kelly Blue Book reports that the average value of electric cars in April 2024 was $55,242, while that of gasoline cars is $44,989. Although electric cars offer greater long-term savings by charging them during off-peak hours, car buyers still want to budget for an electric vehicle in the first place.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, $48,060 was the median annual salary for all U. S. personnel. Depending on who you contact, you’ll budget between 10% and 15% of your monthly monthly income source to pay for a car. This equates to a source of income of $4,000 per month, which would give a budget of $400. 50 to $600. 75 per month for a car payment.
I don’t know of any car financing or loan features that allow for a 12-year repayment plan, however, that’s necessarily how long it would take to pay off an average EV. I can’t even believe the interest rate on this type of And while some EVs get tax rebate benefits that further reduce their cost, they still charge more than hybrid models.
Fortunately, hybrid cars don’t charge a lot of money, which would be much more moderate for those who don’t have the source of income available to buy an electric vehicle. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited starts at $29,450, while a Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE costs less — $23,500. If you’re looking for something bigger, hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid start at $31,725 and $28,590 respectively.
Another main fear some have about electric cars is that they lack diversity for long distances. Today, many electric cars can seamlessly travel more than 300 miles at full speed and become more efficient with each new generation. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Lucid Air Pure I tests went 305 and 419 miles, respectively. The Lucid is one of the few exceptions that exceeds the 400-mile diversity, but I suspect it’s only going to get better.
But despite those numbers, with today’s hybrid vehicles, I can achieve so much more. I achieved a fuel economy of 50. 8 mpg with the Elantra Hybrid Limited, which would equate to a drive of about 558 miles on its 11-gallon fuel tank. This means you’ll be able to travel longer distances non-stop with a hybrid, which comes in handy when traveling to rural spaces across the country.
As a result, the greater diversity of hybrid cars compared to electric cars means that you may not have to make as many pit stops. If you need to get to your destination in the shortest time imaginable, this is an incentive you might appreciate. with hybrid cars. Think about it: You can go 500 miles straight ahead without stopping.
Meanwhile, most EVs will need to charge as they go 300 miles (or sooner, just in case). In my experience so far, it takes about 30 minutes to charge an EV before setting off again. But the other challenge is that electric cars may have to wait at a charging station before it’s delivered. All of this adds up to longer wait times, which can also simply be a barrier for some people.
While I’ve detailed the benefits of hybrids over electric cars, it’s only a matter of time before electric cars overtake hybrids. I talked about what the biggest barrier is worth, but the value of electric cars has come down. In fact, I hope that by the time I can hand over the keys to my Corolla that is more than 15 years old, the Kia EV3 will be available in the United States.
Why this one? Well, not only does it feature many of the same qualities that made me fall in love with the $74,000 EV9 I drove, but it will also be much more affordable. The Kia EV3, a compact-sized SUV, is supposed to charge $35,000, with an estimated diversity of three hundred miles. Sure, diversity may be better, but I suspect the next generation of EVs will offer longer diversity and faster charging.
John is the telephone editor for Tom’s Guide. No is a stranger to the field as he has been dealing with phones and mobile devices since 2008, when he began his career. In addition to his duties as a writer, he is an experienced cameraman in front and camera generating YouTube videos. Previously, he held editorial positions at PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of technology, he enjoys generating funny mini-documentaries and social clips for small businesses, enjoying beach life on the Jersey Shore, and recently became a first-time homeowner.
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