Hybrid vs. Combustion Engine vs. Electric Car: The Big Comparison for 2025

Kamilya - March 21, 2025

Car buyers no longer have to choose only between gasoline and diesel. Electric vehicles and hybrids are shaking up the automotive market. But this shift is about more than just different fuel types. Stricter emissions regulations in Europe are making low-emission vehicles more attractive. Additionally, fossil fuel prices continue to rise—partly due to CO₂ taxes, such as those in Switzerland.

So, what should you consider when buying a new car in 2025? At CARIFY, we compare the options for you.

The Key Differences Between Hybrid, Combustion Engine, and Electric Cars

Combustion engines and electric motors work in fundamentally different ways. Hybrids combine both propulsion systems in one vehicle. Understanding how they work highlights the main differences.

What Is a Hybrid Vehicle?

First, there is no single type of hybrid vehicle. Different types of hybrids exist, but they all combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, offering the best of both worlds. The main hybrid types are:

Full Hybrid Gasoline/Diesel (FHEV): Thanks to a powerful electric motor, full hybrids can drive short distances purely on electricity. When the battery runs out, the combustion engine takes over. The electric battery cannot be charged externally but instead gains energy while driving via the combustion engine and regenerative braking.
Mild Hybrid Gasoline/Diesel (MHEV): In these vehicles, the electric motor assists the combustion engine, reducing fuel consumption. This also improves driving behavior, especially during acceleration. However, mild hybrids cannot run purely on electricity and are charged through driving and regenerative braking.
Plug-in Hybrid Gasoline/Diesel (PHEV): These hybrids have a rechargeable battery, similar to an electric car, which can be charged at a charging station or wallbox. Like full hybrids, they can drive certain distances on electricity alone. Plug-in hybrids usually have a longer electric range than full hybrids.

What Is a Combustion Engine Vehicle?

Combustion engines run on fossil fuels: gasoline or diesel. These vehicles operate through the combustion of fuel, which generates power.

What Is an Electric Vehicle?

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are powered solely by an electric motor. They can regenerate braking energy through regenerative braking. To fully charge the battery, the vehicle must be plugged into a charging station.

Pros and Cons of Each Drive System

Each type of propulsion has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when making a decision.

Pros of Hybrid Vehicles

Efficiency: The combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor is more efficient than a pure combustion engine.
Range: No need to worry about range anxiety, as the combustion engine takes over when the battery is empty.
Emissions: Lower fuel consumption means a better environmental impact.
Comfort: Electrical components such as air conditioning remain operational even when the engine is off.

Cons of Hybrid Vehicles

Weight: Two engines add weight, increasing fuel consumption.
Maintenance: Both engines require servicing, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs.
Cost: Hybrids are more expensive to purchase than comparable combustion engine vehicles.

Pros of Combustion Engine Vehicles

Range: Typically, combustion engine vehicles have a longer range than electric cars.
Refueling Infrastructure: Finding a gas station is easier than finding a charging station.
Purchase Cost: New combustion engine cars are generally cheaper than hybrids or electric cars.
Power: Combustion engines are powerful.
Maintenance: The technology is well-known, and almost every garage can service combustion engines.

Cons of Combustion Engine Vehicles

Emissions: They emit fine particles, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and CO₂.
Noise: Combustion engines are loud, contributing to noise pollution.
Efficiency: Combustion engines have a much lower efficiency rate than electric motors, wasting a lot of energy.
Running Costs: Fossil fuel prices are rising, and combustion engines require oil as a consumable.
Maintenance: More moving parts lead to higher wear and greater maintenance effort.
Driving Bans: Some cities have environmental zones that prohibit combustion engine vehicles.

Pros of Electric Vehicles

Zero Emissions: No emissions while driving.
Lower Running Costs: Lowest fuel costs per kilometer.
Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts reduce maintenance needs.
Silent Driving: Nearly silent operation
Regenerative Braking: Recovers energy while braking to extend range.
Tax Incentives & Subsidies: Some regions offer tax advantages or financial incentives for EVs.
Innovative Technology: Often equipped with the latest tech, such as advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity features.

Cons of Electric Vehicles

Range: Shorter driving range compared to combustion engine vehicles.
Charging Infrastructure: Not fully developed in all areas.
Charging Times: Charging can take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the charger type. Fast charging can degrade battery life.
Purchase Cost: More expensive upfront, though incentives and lower running costs offset this.
Battery Degradation: Battery performance declines over time, reducing range and efficiency. Battery replacement is costly but typically necessary only after 8–10 years.
Environmental Impact of Production: Battery production is not currently eco-friendly, especially in terms of lithium and cobalt extraction.

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Environmental Impact and CO₂ Emissions Comparison

Emissions regulations are getting stricter, making it important to consider the environmental impact of each vehicle type.

How Eco-Friendly Is a Hybrid?

This depends on the type of hybrid and driving habits. The more the electric motor is used, the greener the hybrid becomes.

CO₂ Emissions of Combustion Engine Vehicles

Gasoline cars emit an average of 120–180 grams of CO₂ per kilometer.
Diesel cars emit 100–150 grams of CO₂ per kilometer.
Driving style, maintenance, and vehicle weight also influence emissions.

Electric Vehicles and CO₂ Reduction

EVs produce zero emissions while driving, significantly improving air quality.

Costs & Economic Considerations in 2025

Government incentives, as well as rising fuel taxes, affect the cost-effectiveness of each vehicle type.

Purchase Costs & Long-Term Expenses for Hybrids

Hybrids have higher purchase prices due to their complex technology and dual engines. In some cases, tax breaks or subsidies can help offset the extra cost. However, they are more fuel-efficient and use fewer fossil fuels, though maintenance costs are higher due to two engines.

Costs of a Combustion Engine Vehicle

Even though combustion engines are cheaper to buy, they become more expensive over time due to rising fuel costs and CO₂ taxes.

Economic Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Although EVs are pricier upfront, they offer savings in multiple areas:

✔ Exemption from motor vehicle tax in some regions
✔ Eco-discounts from some insurers
✔ Lower fuel costs
✔ Lower maintenance & repair costs
✔ No driving bans in environmental zones

Depending on where you live, additional local incentives may be available, making EVs the most cost-effective and future-proof choice in the long run.

Charging Infrastructure and Range

Concerns About Charging and Range

Many people hesitate to switch to electric mobility due to range anxiety: What if I end up stranded in the middle of nowhere with an empty battery and no charging station in sight? What is the current situation in Switzerland?

Charging Infrastructure for Electric Cars: Status in 2025

Switzerland's charging network has expanded significantly in recent years. The Electromobility Roadmap currently records 15,637 publicly accessible charging stations across the country. While this falls short of the 20,000 target, it generally ensures that a charging station is within reach. The Federal Council provides an overview of fast-charging stations along national highways, and various services help locate nearby charging points.

Range of Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles

The range of hybrid and electric vehicles depends on the model, battery capacity, driving conditions, and driving style.

Hybrid Vehicles: They can achieve a range of 800–1,200 km or more, as they use both gasoline and electricity.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Depending on battery capacity, ranges of 250 to 600 km, or even up to 800 km per charge, are possible.
Combustion Engine Vehicles: They do not require charging infrastructure, but gas stations are evolving, increasingly featuring fast-charging stations for electric cars.

Future Outlook and Legal Regulations for 2025

On January 1, 2025, several new laws came into effect impacting mobility in Switzerland:

Stricter noise regulations penalize excessive vehicle noise.
The energy label for new cars has been updated based on CO₂ emissions, meaning only the most efficient models will qualify for category A.
Electricity prices have dropped by approximately 10%.

What Trends Will Shape the Car Market in 2025?

In 2024, car sales stagnated, especially for EVs, which saw a decline after Switzerland reinstated the import tax on electric cars. However, industry experts predict that lower EV prices, declining electricity costs, and stricter noise and emission regulations will drive EV sales in 2025.

Are There Any Legal Changes Regarding Vehicle Powertrains?

Currently, no changes to vehicle powertrain regulations are planned. However, from March 1, 2025, Switzerland will allow automated driving in specific cases:

On highways with approved autonomous driving systems.
Driverless vehicle operation on government-approved routes.
Automated parking within designated garages and parking areas.

Most vehicles equipped with automated driving technology are electric cars.

Conclusion: Which Powertrain Is the Best Choice in 2025?

If you’re considering buying a new car, your choice depends largely on how important range is to you. Even long-distance travel is now feasible with high-range EVs. CARIFY’s car subscription service lets you test an EV risk-free. Through the Try & Buy program, you can drive a car for up to six months and purchase it at an attractive price afterward.