Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric:
Which Is Right for You?
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid and Electric Cars Explained
Petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric: today’s car buyers have more options than ever. At the same time, understanding the different technologies and terminology can be challenging.
The right choice depends on more than just fuel consumption and purchase price. Your driving habits, annual mileage, access to charging and the types of journeys you regularly make all play an important role.
We take a closer look at the main powertrain options, their advantages and disadvantages, and the drivers they are best suited to.
Petrol Cars: The Flexible All-Rounder
Petrol remains one of the most straightforward and versatile powertrain options. It is particularly well suited to drivers who mainly cover short to medium distances and want the flexibility to use their car for a variety of journeys.
Petrol engines are generally quiet, warm up relatively quickly and are available in almost every vehicle category. They also tend to cost less to buy than comparable diesel models, making them a good option for drivers with a low annual mileage.
However, fuel consumption can be relatively high in frequent city traffic or on long motorway journeys. To improve efficiency, many modern petrol cars feature start-stop systems or mild-hybrid technology.
A petrol car could be right for you if you…
• make a mix of short and longer journeys
• do not have access to charging facilities
• want a straightforward and versatile car
Diesel Cars: Efficient on Long Journeys
Diesel engines are at their best on longer journeys. They deliver plenty of torque at low engine speeds and generally use less fuel than comparable petrol engines when driven at a steady speed.
A diesel can therefore still be a good choice if you regularly cover long motorway distances, have a high annual mileage or frequently tow a trailer.
Diesel cars are less suitable for drivers who mainly make short journeys or drive in urban areas. Their exhaust treatment systems, including the particulate filter, need regular longer journeys to work properly. Frequent short trips with a cold engine can therefore cause problems over time.
A diesel car could be right for you if you…
• regularly drive on motorways
• frequently make long journeys
• need plenty of torque or a high towing capacity
Mild Hybrid: Electric Assistance Without Plugging In
A mild hybrid, also known as an MHEV, combines a petrol or diesel engine with a small electric system. Most use a 48-volt electrical system and a starter-generator.
The electric motor assists the combustion engine when pulling away and accelerating. Energy is recovered during braking and coasting and stored in a small battery. Depending on the system, the combustion engine may also switch off temporarily while the car is coasting.
A mild hybrid cannot usually drive on electric power alone, or can do so only to a very limited extent. Instead, the electric system helps provide smoother acceleration, more comfortable engine starts and slightly lower fuel consumption.
There is no need to plug the car in, as the battery recharges automatically while driving.
A mild hybrid could be right for you if you…
• do not have access to a charging point
• want a more efficient petrol or diesel car
• do not want to change your usual driving habits
What Is a Micro Hybrid?
A micro hybrid is a conventional petrol or diesel car equipped with a start-stop system and a smart alternator. It cannot drive on electric power alone and does not have an electric motor that powers the wheels.
As this technology is now widely used in conventional cars, a micro hybrid is not generally considered a separate powertrain. Instead, it is an early form of intelligent energy management.
Full Hybrid: Particularly Efficient in Urban Traffic
A full hybrid, also known as a hybrid electric vehicle or HEV, combines a combustion engine, an electric motor and a small high-voltage battery. Unlike a mild hybrid, it can drive on electric power alone for short distances.
A full hybrid does not need to be plugged in. Its battery is charged mainly through regenerative braking and while the car is coasting, with additional energy supplied by the combustion engine when required.
Full hybrids are particularly efficient in urban and suburban traffic. The electric motor can power the car when pulling away, manoeuvring or driving slowly, while frequent braking helps recharge the battery.
On long motorway journeys, however, the efficiency advantage over a conventional petrol or diesel car is less significant, as there are fewer opportunities to recover energy through braking.
A full hybrid could be right for you if you…
• do not have access to a charging point
• want to make short journeys on electric power
• want a fuel-efficient car without having to plug it in
Plug-in Hybrid: Ideal If You Can Charge Regularly
A plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, combines a combustion engine with a powerful electric motor and a significantly larger battery. Unlike a full hybrid, it can be charged from a domestic socket or charging point. Depending on the model, modern plug-in hybrids offer an electric range of around 70 to 140 kilometres.
This allows many everyday journeys to be completed entirely on electric power. For longer trips, the combustion engine provides additional flexibility. A plug-in hybrid can therefore be an attractive option if you mainly make short or medium-distance journeys during the week but regularly travel further at weekends or on holiday.
However, a plug-in hybrid only delivers its full benefits when it is charged regularly. If the battery is not charged, the combustion engine must carry the additional weight of both the battery and electric motor, which can lead to significantly higher fuel consumption.
A plug-in hybrid could be right for you if you…
• can complete most of your everyday journeys on electric power
• want more electric range than a full hybrid can offer
• regularly travel longer distances without having to plan extended charging stops
• are prepared to charge the car regularly
Electric Cars: Quiet, Responsive and Emission-Free on the Road
An electric car is powered entirely by one or more electric motors. Energy is supplied by a large high-voltage battery, which can be charged at home, at work or at a public charging point.
Electric motors deliver their torque instantly, providing smooth and responsive acceleration. Electric cars are also quiet and produce no exhaust emissions while driving.
With no need for components such as engine oil, spark plugs or an exhaust system, electric cars generally have fewer regular maintenance requirements. Regenerative braking can also reduce wear on the conventional brakes.
Whether an electric car suits your lifestyle largely depends on where and how easily you can charge it. If you can charge at home or at work, it can usually be done conveniently while you get on with your day. If you do not have access to a private charging point, it is worth checking which public chargers are available near you before buying.
Range, charging speed and battery health are also important considerations, particularly when buying a used electric car.
Looking to sell your electric car? Visit our electric car page to find out how Autobuster can support you throughout the selling process.
An electric car could be right for you if you…
• can complete most of your everyday journeys within the car’s range
• value a quiet and responsive driving experience
• are happy to plan charging stops into longer journeys
Powertrain Types Compared
| Powertrain | Requires External Charging | Electric-Only Driving | Best Suited To | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | No | No | Mixed driving and low annual mileage | Higher fuel consumption in urban traffic |
| Diesel | No | No | High annual mileage and long motorway journeys | Less suitable for frequent short journeys |
| Mild Hybrid | No | Limited | Drivers without access to a charging point | Limited electric assistance |
| Full Hybrid | No | Short Distances | Urban and Suburban Driving | Less Efficient on Long Motorway Journeys|
| Plug-in Hybrid | Yes | Most Everyday Journeys | Drivers with Regular Access to Charging | Only Efficient When Charged Regularly |
| Electric Car | Yes | Yes | Everyday Driving with Regular Access to Charging | Check the Range and Available Charging Options |
Which Powertrain Best Suits Your Driving Needs?
Rather than focusing solely on fuel consumption figures or manufacturers’ terminology, consider the following practical questions before choosing a car:
How many kilometres do you drive each year?
If you have a low to moderate annual mileage, a petrol car or mild hybrid may be a good choice. Drivers who regularly cover long motorway distances may still benefit from choosing a diesel.
Do you mainly drive in urban areas?
Full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars are particularly well suited to urban and suburban driving. All three recover energy during braking and use it to recharge the battery. A plug-in hybrid is most effective if you charge it regularly and can complete most of your everyday journeys on electric power.
Can you charge your car regularly?
Reliable access to charging is essential for an electric car or plug-in hybrid. A full hybrid, by contrast, does not need to be plugged in.
How often do you travel long distances?
If you regularly make long motorway journeys, consider the vehicle’s range, charging speed and the availability of charging stops along your route. Depending on how you use the car, a diesel or plug-in hybrid may still be a practical choice.
How important is resale value to you?
Resale value should also be taken into account when choosing a car. Popular models with a complete service history, desirable equipment and a well-documented condition are generally easier to sell. For electric cars and plug-in hybrids, the condition of the high-voltage battery, the charging cables supplied with the vehicle and the remaining battery warranty are also important.
What About Hydrogen, Natural Gas and Other Alternatives?
Alongside the most common powertrain options, there are alternatives such as hydrogen-powered vehicles, natural gas cars and electric vehicles with range extenders.
However, these powertrain types currently account for a much smaller share of the Swiss used-car market. This may be due to the limited choice of models, less developed refuelling or charging infrastructure and lower demand.
Anyone considering one of these vehicles should first check whether the necessary refuelling or charging infrastructure is available in their area and how easy the vehicle is likely to be to resell.
Which Powertrain Is the Most Sustainable?
When the entire life cycle is considered, from production through to disposal, electric cars generally perform best in Switzerland. When charged using the Swiss electricity mix, an electric car produces around half the greenhouse gas emissions of a comparable petrol or diesel car. Its environmental impact is even lower when charged with renewable electricity.
However, the powertrain is not the only factor that matters. Small, lightweight and energy-efficient cars generally have a lower environmental impact than larger, heavier models. Public transport, cycling and avoiding unnecessary journeys are more sustainable than travelling by car.
Conclusion: Your Driving Habits Matter Most
There is no single powertrain that suits everyone. A diesel may be the right choice for drivers with a high annual mileage, while a full hybrid is particularly effective in urban traffic. A plug-in hybrid works best when it is charged regularly. If you have reliable access to charging, an electric car can cover most of your everyday journeys comfortably and without producing exhaust emissions.
The best choice is not necessarily the powertrain considered the most modern or efficient. What matters is finding the option that suits your everyday journeys, access to charging and budget.
Thinking of selling your current car and switching to a different powertrain? Autobuster takes care of the vehicle preparation, advertising, negotiations and the entire sales process. You relax – we negotiate!
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