SPONSORED EDITORIAL

In an age where being green and economical is key, these two types of vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for motorists.

We are of course talking about electric and hybrid cars.

But what are the big differences between them and which one would better suit you?

Here’s what one motoring expert has to say.

“We’re finding more and more people turning to electric or hybrid vehicles for two main reasons really,” said Clay Roper who is Head of Business at FG Barnes Group.

“One is that they are conscious of the environment and the other is that in today’s day and age, low-running costs are imperative for them.

“Car manufacturers are also well aware of these new trends which is why we’re seeing more and more electric and hybrid vehicles operating and looking like any other modern SUV, saloon or even sports car.

“In fact, our new electric and hybrid fleets at our showrooms look fantastic and are great to drive too.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS AT FG BARNES

The decision of whether somebody should have a hybrid or electric car is pretty much a simple one.

The main difference between the two is range.

If somebody is looking for the ultimate ‘cheap to run’ and green car which is all about the lowest possible running costs and emissions, then electric vehicles are the way to go.

“Other advantages of owning an electric vehicle include less frequent and cheaper maintenance while they’re also very quiet,” continued Clay.

“The numerous financial benefits also extend to road tax exemption.”

Electric vehicle owners don't pay any road tax on a pure electric vehicle provided it does not fall into the premium rate category (vehicles worth £40,000 or more).

That always rings sweet music to the ears of businesses that deploy vehicles.

Company owners can save thousands of pounds per year with electric cars because they’re subject to the lowest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate of company car tax.

Those BiK rates are zero.

The payoff is that most pure electric cars only have a range of just under 200 miles on a single charge.

“In terms of getting around the town or getting from ‘a to b’, you can’t find a greener or less costly car than an electric vehicle.”

“Motorists can also get a government grant of £3,000 towards an electric vehicle.”

Hybrids, on the other hand, use a combination of battery and fuel which means that they can be used in much the same way as a normal electric car.

They have a range of 30 miles on the battery.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS AT FG BARNES

The difference, however, is that hybrids also have a petrol engine meaning that they can also handle long journeys without charging.

“Hybrids are great because they can operate like an electric car around the town but can also be used like any other vehicle.

“We’re not talking about zero emissions like electric cars but they’re certainly a lot less than your run-of-the-mill petrol or diesel car.”

The best course of action for anyone looking to buy a car is to survey the different options in the motoring industry that can sometimes appear like a bit of a minefield.

But at FG Barnes, the mantra is to offer a first class customer experience throughout all of the group’s branches across the south east of England.

“We have some great electric and hybrid vehicles at our FG Barnes showrooms in Canterbury and Maidstone including the MG ZS EV, SEAT Mii electric and Vauxhall Corsa E electric cars as well as the Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid,” added Clay.

“Anyone interested in such a vehicle or indeed any other car are more than welcome to pop by and our team members will be more than happy to answer any questions or show them the different options available.”

For more information about the different vehicles at FG Barnes can visit the official website by clicking here.