Do you know the difference between an electric car, plug-in-hybrid car, gas car and diesel car? When you choose a company car, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of the different cars. At ALD Automotive we offer company cars for all needs, and therefore we have made an overview so you can better decide which engine type is right for you.
The most important factors to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages are: driving habits, fuel expenses, fueling and charging, environment and noise.
Gas car
Generally, the gas car is practical for most drivers. The advantage of a gas car is that you do not have to worry about going for short drives and it is useful for all kind of rides, such as highway driving, city driving and longer car rides. Refueling the gas car is also not of concern as there are a wide selection of gas stations around both Denmark and Europe. The disadvantages, however, are the fuel expenses. According to FDM, a gas car is the most expensive car based on milage costs, which is mainly due to fuel expenses (2021). Furthermore, the environment and noise are also relevant factors to the gas car. A gas car is generally viewed as bad for the environment based on CO2 emissions and in relation to noise, both in- and outside the car, a gas car is significantly louder than the electric alternatives.
Diesel car
A diesel car can be right for those who drive for longer distances at a time. The advantage of a diesel car is that it is a cheaper alternative to the gas car when you use it for longer rides. A diesel car often has better milage, the diesel is cheaper than gas and the refueling selection is the same as for a gas car. The disadvantages are, however, that for optimal use of a diesel car there are a lot of criteria to follow. A diesel engine needs to become warm when driving (minimum 30 minutes of driving), and you should minimize idling to avoid the engine to sod. Environment and noise are also disadvantages to the diesel car. Same as the gas car, a diesel car is bad in terms of emissions and the diesel car is also more noisy than other cars.
Plug-in-hybrid car
A plug-in-hybrid car is a car that has both a gas/diesel engine as well as a battery powered electric engine. This means that at short distances can drive solely on electricity (typically 30-50 km) and when the battery is empty, the car continues driving on gas or diesel. The advantage of the plug-in-hybrid car is that by being able to drive using a battery you can save on fuel costs. However, you should notice that as the car has two driving forces, it is heavier than a regular car and therefore, when using gas/diesel the consumption will be bigger and more expensive. Thus, the advantages of the plug-in-hybrid depends on how often you use it only with electricity and how well you can charge it from place to place. The disadvantages of the plug-in-hybrid car is that you have to refuel and recharge both gas/diesel and electricity. With the short range on battery only, it is necessary to be able to charge the car at home or at work. In relation to environment, the plug-in-hybrid car might be a better alternative to a gas/diesel car if you primarily drive it using the battery. If not, the plug-in-hybrid car is a worse alternative as it consumes more gas or diesel. In relation to noise, the plug-in-hybrid car is great choice as it uses electric technology in many aspects, which reduces noise. Finally, a plug-in-hybrid car is also a good choice if you are considering an electric vehicle, but is not quite ready for a full electric car.
Electric car
An electric car is a car that only has an electric engine and is powered 100% by electricity. This means that it has to be charged using a charging socket before driving. Even though the technology of electrical engines is developing a great deal year for year, the range of an electric car can still be a challenge. Therefore, it is important to be aware of you driving needs. The smaller electric cars have a shorter range and is still considered most appropriate for shorter rides and city driving, while the larger electric cars have reached a longer driving range (300-600 km), which expands the opportunities of driving. However, charging of an electric car is still a disadvantage. To gain most of the car, you should have a charging station at home or at your workplace and when going for longer rides it is necessary to plan your route in relation to the charging stations on the road. Nevertheless, charging electricity also comes with the advantages of cheaper milage costs as it is cheaper than refueling gas or diesel. In relation to the environment and noise, the electric car also comes with advantages. An electric car is the most environmental choice and in relation to noise, it is also the most optimal choice as an electric car only produces noise from the tires when driving.
Find the right company car
When you are looking for a new company car, you might have a lot of individual factors that are relevant for you. Therefore, we offer advice and guidance to find the best solution for you and your company. Read more or contact us at salg.dk@aldautomotive.com or +45 33 55 81 40