What will be the difference between electric and hybrid vehicles in 2025-2026?
In 2025, the difference between an electric car and a hybrid car will be based first and foremost on the powertrain, the engine and the fuel consumption.autonomy and the intended use. Whereas electric vehicles are based solely on a battery Plug-in hybrids combine two energy sources (petrol and electricity) to meet different driving needs. Here are the key points to remember:
- Electric cars : 100% electric drive thanks to a lithium-ion battery, zero local emissions, recharged at a public or home terminal, ideal for urban and suburban journeys.
- Classic hybrid : combines a combustion engine and a small electric motor, with a limited electric range (a few kilometres) and no external recharging.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) : incorporates a larger battery capable of driving between 30 and 60 km on electric power, and recharges from the mains, offering a compromise between internal combustion and electric power.
- Autonomy vs. usage : Electric cars are attractive for everyday use and short distances, while rechargeable hybrids remain attractive for drivers who alternate between urban journeys and long distances.
In short, the electric car marks a technological breakthrough towards zero-emission mobility, while the hybrid or rechargeable hybrid plays a transitional role, offering both flexibility and lower fuel consumption.
How do electric and hybrid vehicles work?
Understanding how an electric or hybrid car works is essential for making the right choice in 2025-2026. These two technologies, although focused on the energy transition, are based on different mechanical and energy architectures.
- How an electric car works :
- Electric drive 100% with one or more motors powered by a lithium-ion battery.
- Charging via a public charging point, a reinforced household socket or a wallbox at home.
- Simple transmission, with no complex gearbox, reducing mechanical wear.
- Recovery of kinetic energy during braking, optimising range.
- Electric drive 100% with one or more motors powered by a lithium-ion battery.
- How a hybrid car works :
- Combination of an internal combustion engine (usually petrol) and an electric motor.
- Modular operation to suit different driving phases: electric only at low speeds, internal combustion on long journeys, or a combination of the two.
- The battery is recharged either by the internal combustion engine (conventional hybrid) or by the mains (rechargeable hybrid).
- Intelligent energy management to reduce consumption and CO₂ emissions.
- Combination of an internal combustion engine (usually petrol) and an electric motor.
The difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid is therefore major: the conventional version is content with self-charging limited to energy recovery, while the plug-in hybrid can drive several tens of kilometres in electric 100% mode thanks to a larger battery.
Electric vs. hybrid vehicles: which is cheaper to buy and run?
One of the key criteria in choosing between an electric or hybrid car remains the budget, both at the time of purchase and over the long term. In 2025-2026, the trend is set to change rapidly with the gradual fall in the price of batteries, but also the continued availability of tax incentives to help reduce the initial bill.
However, there are still significant differences between an electric vehicle and a hybrid or plug-in hybrid model.
- Purchase price :
- Conventional hybrid cars are generally cheaper to buy than electric cars with the same range.
- Plug-in hybrids command higher prices, close to those of certain electric 100% models, because of their dual powertrains.
- Electric cars benefit from ecological bonuses and conversion bonuses, which greatly reduce their initial cost.
- Conventional hybrid cars are generally cheaper to buy than electric cars with the same range.
- Cost of use :
- Electricity is still cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially with the option of recharging at home or using an off-peak tariff.
- Maintaining an electric car is more economical: fewer mechanical parts, no oil changes, less wear and tear on the brakes.
- Conversely, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid requires dual maintenance (combustion + electric), which is often more expensive over the long term.
- Electricity is still cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially with the option of recharging at home or using an off-peak tariff.
- Resale value :
- In 2025, electric vehicles will be more popular on the second-hand market, thanks in particular to growing demand and battery warranties.
- Hybrids remain a safe option for some buyers, but risk losing their appeal with the gradual ban on combustion engines.
In short, while the hybrid still has the advantage of a more affordable entry-level price, the electric car is often more profitable in use and on resale. The choice therefore depends on your initial budget and the frequency of your daily journeys.
What is the best range for an electric vehicle versus a hybrid?
One of the decisive factors in choosing between an electric or hybrid car is range. In 2025, technology has come a long way, but drivers' needs vary greatly depending on how they are used. Understanding the difference between hybrids and plug-in hybrids is essential for assessing the suitability of each engine.
- Electric cars : Recent models have an average range of between 350 and 550 km (WLTP). This is more than enough range for everyday use, commuting and urban travel. However, for longer journeys, it's essential to organise rapid recharging on the motorway.
- Classic hybrid (HEV) The 100% electric range is limited to a few kilometres, with the actual range depending on the petrol tank. It's a solution for drivers looking for optimised fuel consumption without the need to recharge.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) : generally offers 30 to 60 km on electric power before switching to internal combustion. This is an interesting compromise for those who make short daily journeys but still want the freedom of a full tank of petrol for travelling.
In short, if your journeys are mainly urban and you have access to a charging point at home or at work, the electric car makes the most sense. On the other hand, for drivers who regularly make long journeys, a plug-in hybrid remains a flexible choice, while a simple hybrid is an alternative that doesn't require recharging, but is less environmentally advantageous.
Maintenance and reliability: what to choose between electric and hybrid vehicles in 2025-2026?
One of the main differences between an electric car and a hybrid is the cost and complexity of maintenance.
In 2025, users are looking for a vehicle that is durable, reliable and inexpensive to maintain.
In this respect, the electric car offers a number of advantages, but the hybrid or plug-in hybrid also retains a number of advantages for those who drive frequently.
- Electric cars: reduced maintenance
- No engine oil change or regular replacement of oil filters.
- Fewer moving mechanical parts, so less risk of mechanical breakdown.
- Brake pads wear less quickly thanks to the regenerative braking.
- Greater long-term reliability, with battery life now guaranteed to be 8 years or more.
- No engine oil change or regular replacement of oil filters.
- Hybrid or plug-in hybrid: interim maintenance
- Still fitted with an internal combustion engine requiring oil changes, a timing belt and conventional maintenance.
- More components (electric motor + internal combustion engine), so more wear points and slightly more expensive maintenance than electric alone.
- It's a good choice for heavy drivers, as the combination of engines reduces wear and tear on motorways.
- Still fitted with an internal combustion engine requiring oil changes, a timing belt and conventional maintenance.
In short, when it comes to reliability and maintenance, the advantage clearly goes to the electric car, thanks to its mechanical simplicity and lower costs. Nevertheless, for those looking for a compromise between range, cost and flexibility, a plug-in hybrid remains a viable alternative, especially if you regularly cover long distances.
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What will be the environmental impact of electric vs. hybrid vehicles in 2025-20206?
In 2025, the question of the environmental impact of an electric or hybrid car will be central to the choices made by motorists and public decision-makers alike.
While both types of motorisation reduce CO₂ emissions compared with conventional internal combustion vehicles, their environmental impact differs depending on the vehicle's life cycle, electricity production and everyday use.
- Electric vehicles :
- Zero local emissions during driving (excluding energy production).
- Significant reduction in noise and air pollution in urban areas.
- Carbon footprint This is mainly due to the manufacture of batteries, but is offset in the long term by intensive use and increasingly carbon-free electricity.
- Hybrid or plug-in hybrid :
- Reduces CO₂ emissions, especially in urban use when driving electrically over short distances.
- A simple hybrid remains dependent on petrol, while a plug-in hybrid combines electric range and a combustion engine more effectively.
- Less virtuous than an electric 100% vehicle in the long term, especially if the driver does little recharging or mainly uses the internal combustion engine.
To sum up, while the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid has an impact on the ecological balance sheet, the electric car remains the most environmentally-friendly option for everyday journeys, provided it uses a low-carbon source of electricity.
SUV, city car or saloon: which segment should you choose between electric and hybrid vehicles in 2025-2026?
The choice of vehicle depends not only on the engine (electric or hybrid car) but also on its segment. In 2025, each type of bodywork will offer specific advantages depending on use, budget and the technology adopted.
Here are the key points to consider:
- Electric SUV or hybrid: ideal for families and drivers looking for comfort and space.
- The range of the electric 100% version has improved significantly (often exceeding 450 km WLTP), but the purchase price remains high.
- Available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, the SUV offers versatility on long journeys while maintaining low fuel consumption in town.
- Electric SUV or hybrid: ideal for families and drivers looking for comfort and space.
- Electric city car or hybrid: the most practical solution in urban environments.
- Electric cars are attractive for their compactness, agility in traffic and low running costs.
- The simple hybrid is suitable for city drivers who want to limit their fuel consumption without worrying about a daily recharging point.
- Electric saloon or hybrid: an excellent compromise for those who travel long distances in comfort.
- The electric version combines a long range with advanced technologies (ADAS, connectivity, rapid recharging).
- Plug-in hybrids for saloon cars remain an attractive alternative for long-distance drivers who do not yet have access to a sufficient network of charging points.
- The electric version combines a long range with advanced technologies (ADAS, connectivity, rapid recharging).
In short, choosing between SUV, city car or saloon will depend on your driving habits and your access to recharging. The difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid remains decisive: electric cars are better suited to daily use and city driving, while hybrids retain the advantage of versatility for long journeys.
Electric vs. hybrid vehicles: which engine is best suited to your daily commute?
The choice between an electric or hybrid car depends very much on the type of journeys you make every day. In 2025-2026, the difference between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric cars will have a direct impact on the practicality, comfort and cost of your journeys.
- For short urban and suburban journeys (under 50 km)
The electric car remains the ideal solution. It offers quiet driving, zero local emissions and savings on running costs (cost per kilometre much lower than petrol). Its range more than covers daily needs in town. - For mixed journeys, with a bit of motorway but a majority of urban driving, the rechargeable hybrid (PHEV) may represent the best compromise. You can drive in electric mode during the week, then rely on the combustion engine for longer distances, avoiding the stress of recharging.
- For long-distance drivers (more than 100 km/day, often on motorways)
A non-rechargeable hybrid car is more suitable if you don't have easy access to recharging points. Its combustion engine takes over over long distances, while slightly reducing fuel consumption compared with a conventional petrol car.
To sum up, the engine best suited to your daily journeys in 2025 will depend on your profile: electrics are the best choice for optimised urban use, plug-in hybrids for multi-purpose drivers, and conventional hybrids for those who clock up a lot of miles without always having access to a charging point.
What support and tax breaks will be available in 2025-2026 for electric vs. hybrid vehicles?
In 2025-2026, tax breaks and incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles have changed significantly, with a clear priority given to 100% electric vehicles.
Here are the key points to help you choose between these engines:
- Electric vehicle (EV) :
- Benefits from a total exemption from Company Vehicle Tax (TVS), including CO₂ emissions tax and pollutant emissions tax, representing a major tax advantage for businesses.
- The vehicle registration document will remain free for most electric cars registered in 2025.
- The tax depreciation ceiling has been raised to €30,000, allowing greater deductibility from taxable income, particularly for professionals.
- The cost of the batteries can be written off at 100% if they are invoiced separately, which optimises the tax treatment of the investment.
- For electric commercial vehicles, an advantageous tax deduction system is applicable until 2030 (+20% of the tax-deductible cost).
- Benefits from a total exemption from Company Vehicle Tax (TVS), including CO₂ emissions tax and pollutant emissions tax, representing a major tax advantage for businesses.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles :
- In 2025-2026, the ecological bonus and total exemptions for plug-in hybrids will come to an end.
- Hybrids remain subject to an annual tax on CO₂ emissions, with an allowance of 100kg (simple hybrid) or 200kg for rechargeable hybrids depending on electric range (up to a limit of 15% of the mass).
- The conversion premium was abolished in December 2024, no longer benefiting hybrids or electric cars.
- The depreciation limit is €20,300 for plug-in hybrids with emissions between 20 and 49 g/km, and €18,300 for other hybrids.
- A few specific advantages remain for hybrids running on E85 superethanol, such as a 40% allowance on CO₂ emissions for tax purposes and a reduction in taxable power.
- In 2025-2026, the ecological bonus and total exemptions for plug-in hybrids will come to an end.
To sum up, tax incentives and benefits in 2025-2026 will clearly favour electric cars, with broader tax exemptions and higher depreciation ceilings, while hybrid vehicles will lose their main tax benefits, influencing the strategic choice for individuals and businesses looking to optimise their costs and environmental impact.
Electric vs. hybrid vehicles: which is the best choice for the future?
In 2025-2026, the question of the best choice between electric and hybrid cars will be more important than ever. Both technologies are continuing to develop, but their development potential is not identical.
In the long term, electric cars are tending to emerge as the most sustainable solution, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid models appear to be more of a transitional solution.
The main reasons are as follows:
- Energy transition and regulation : The European Union plans to phase out the sale of combustion engine cars by 2035, which will gradually include hybrids. Electric 100% vehicles have a long-term strategic advantage.
- Charging infrastructure in full expansion: the widespread deployment of fast charging points is reducing range constraints and making electric vehicles more versatile.
- Technological innovation : new-generation batteries (lithium-iron-phosphate, semi-solid, then solid) promise higher energy density, lower costs and longer life.
- Ecological value and image : the electric car is the engine that is most consistent with the objectives of carbon neutrality, a key point for both private individuals and company fleets.
On the other hand, plug-in hybrids or simple hybrids can still represent a relevant alternative for those who :
- Regularly make very long journeys with no certainty of finding a terminal.
- Live in areas where recharging infrastructure is still limited.
- Wish to benefit from a compromise between petrol and electric before upgrading to the electric 100%
Electric vehicles therefore appear to be the best choice for the future, while hybrids remain a temporary option for certain user profiles.
Comparison table between electric and hybrid vehicles
| Criteria | Electric vehicle (EV) | Classic hybrid (HEV) | Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorisation | 100% electric (lithium-ion battery) | Internal combustion engine + small electric motor | Internal combustion engine + electric motor + rechargeable battery |
| Autonomy | 350 - 550 km (WLTP) | A few km in electric 100%; depends mainly on the petrol tank | 40 - 80 km on electric + unlimited range on petrol |
| Ideal use | Daily urban/suburban journeys, access to a terminal | Long-distance drivers who want to reduce their fuel consumption without the hassle of recharging | Mixed drivers: short daily trips + long journeys |
| Refill | On a public terminal, wallbox or domestic socket | No external recharging (self-recharging by energy recovery) | Mains charging + energy recovery |
| Purchase cost (2025) | Higher, but ecological bonuses and tax breaks still important | More affordable to buy | More expensive than HEV, close to some EVs |
| Cost of use | Electricity less expensive than fuel; low maintenance (no oil changes) | Traditional combustion engine maintenance; optimised fuel consumption | Dual maintenance (internal combustion + electric); lower fuel costs if recharged regularly |
| Maintenance & reliability | Low maintenance, fewer breakdowns; batteries guaranteed for 8 years+. | Standard maintenance (oil changes, belts, filters) | More expensive maintenance (two systems to maintain) |
| Resale value | Good rating (growing demand, battery guarantee) | Less attractive with the gradual ban on combustion | Average, depending on actual use of electric mode |
| Environmental impact | Zero local emissions; long-term offset of battery manufacturing footprint | Limited reduction in emissions; depends on use of petrol | Significant reduction if frequent recharging; less virtuous than an EV if internal combustion engine used frequently |
| Tax incentives (2025) | Exemptions (TVS, vehicle registration), depreciation ceiling ≈ €30,000, bonus maintained | Little significant aid; subject to CO₂ tax | End of general bonus; limited depreciation (e.g. €20,300 max depending on emissions) |
| Recommended segments | Competitive city cars and electric saloons; EV SUVs more expensive but with greater range | Hybrid city cars & hatchbacks to limit fuel consumption without recharging | PHEV SUVs & hatchbacks for city and long-distance versatility |
| Long-term vision | Motorisation of the future (end of combustion engine sales in 2035, battery innovations) | Transitional solution, destined to disappear gradually | Interesting transition, but limited in time |
Conclusion
Ultimately, by 2025-2026, the choice between electric and hybrid vehicles will depend above all on the driver's profile. Electric vehicles are emerging as the most sustainable solution, thanks to their lack of local emissions, low running costs, dedicated tax incentives and the rapid development of batteries and recharging infrastructure.
However, hybrids and plug-in hybrids still have an interesting transitional role to play for long-distance drivers or those who do not yet have practical access to recharging on a daily basis.
In other words, electric is the future, while hybrid remains a flexible and reassuring alternative in the short term.
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