Best Electric & Hybrid Cars for Families
So, you’re looking for an EV that can actually haul a family? I’m here to help!
Electric cars have been slowly taking over the market. Remember the days when the Toyota Prius was the only electric car on the road? Not anymore. More and more manufacturers are rolling out quality EV’s that can fit a family and give you all the range you need.
So without further introduction, let’s talk about all the factors to consider when purchasing an EV, plus the best electric cars for families (so far).
What Is An Electric Car?
Before we go into all the details of the best electric cars for families, let’s take a step back and talk about what an EV actually is.
An electric car (EV) is a vehicle powered either partially or entirely by electricity, using an electric motor instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. Unlike gasoline cars, which rely on burning fuel, electric cars use electrical energy stored in a battery to power an electric motor.
Battery System
The heart of an electric car is its battery system. These vehicles are equipped with large battery packs that store electrical energy. Think of the battery as the fuel tank of the EV, and it powers the electric motor that drives the car. The batteries for electric cars are always improving, making the range and performance better year after year.
Charging
Charging an electric car is similar to charging a mobile phone. EVs can be charged at home using a standard electrical outlet or, more efficiently, with a dedicated home charging station.
Public charging stations are also available, often located at shopping centers, rest stops, and other locations that are easy to get to. Charging infrastructure is always expanding, making it easier to keep an EV powered up.
Are There Different Types of Electric Cars?
Yes, there are three main types of electric cars, each with its unique characteristics and benefits:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs):
BEVs are what you think of when the term “electric car” comes to mind because they run solely on electricity. They have no gasoline engine and rely entirely on their battery pack for power.
Examples include: the Tesla Model X and the Kia EV9.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs):
PHEVs combine a battery-powered electric motor with a traditional gasoline engine. They can be charged and run on electric power for short distances (typically 20-50 miles) before switching to gasoline. This makes them versatile, especially for drivers who need a longer range without frequent charging.
Examples include: the Lexus TX550h+ and the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs):
HEVs use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, but they cannot be charged from an external source. Instead, they rely on regenerative braking and the gasoline engine to keep the battery charged. This setup improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions compared to traditional gasoline cars.
Examples include: Hybrid Toyota Sienna and Hybrid Kia Sorrento
Best Electric and Hybrid Cars for Families
While this list for the best electric and hybrid cars for families is not super long, I’m confident it will grow in the next few years. Manufacturers are working overtime to come up with the latest electric technology to make EVs and hybrids the most common car on the road.
Best Electric Cars for Families:
Tesla Model X (my personal favorite)
Best Hybrid Cars for Families:
Toyota Sienna (Hybrid has been standard since the 2021 Sienna redesign)
Gas vs. Electric vs. Hybrid - Which Option Makes More Sense For Your Family?
Choosing between gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles depends on your family’s needs, driving habits, and values. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option.
Gasoline-Powered Cars
Pros:
Wide Availability: Easier to find and purchase with a vast selection of models and brands.
Established Infrastructure: There are gas stations on every block, so you never need to worry about refueling.
Initial Cost: Typically, gas cars have a lower upfront purchase price compared to electric vehicles.
Cons:
Fuel Costs: Gas is expensive and the cost per gallon is always fluctuating. Over time, the cost to refill adds up.
Environmental Impact: Obviously, gas is much worse for the environment than electric cars.
Hybrid Cars
Pros:
Fuel Efficiency: Combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency.
Reduced Emissions: Lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
Range: Longer driving range than pure electric vehicles due to the combination of gasoline and electric power.
Flexibility: Can switch between electric and gasoline power, reducing range anxiety.
Cons:
Complexity: More complex systems (with the battery and engine) which can lead to higher maintenance costs.
No Hybrid Full-Size SUVS: Such a bummer - and we hope this changes!
Performance: May not perform as well as fully electric or fully gasoline vehicles in terms of acceleration.
Fuel Dependency: Still relies on gasoline, although less than traditional cars.
Electric Cars
Pros:
Environmental Benefits: Zero tailpipe emissions reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses.
No fuel costs: Say less! The #1 reason people want to own electric cars.
Quiet Operation: Quieter than gas-powered cars, offering a more peaceful driving experience.
Performance: Instant torque means you can accelerate really quickly.
Cons:
Initial Cost: Higher upfront purchase price, though incentives and rebates can offset this.
Charging Infrastructure: Requires access to charging stations or an in-home station, which might be limited in some areas or expensive.
Range Anxiety: Concerns about driving range, though this is improving with newer models.
No Hybrid Full-Size SUVS: Such a bummer - and we hope this changes!
How Much Range Do I Need In An Electric Family Car?
When considering an electric family car, range is an important factor to consider. Your home typically becomes your gas station, so you need enough range to cover your daily activities. Think of it like taking your cell phone off the charge in the morning, can it last the whole day?
The average driver covers 30-40 miles a day, which most modern electric cars can handle easily on a single charge. For longer trips, planning and access to fast chargers become important.
If range is really holding you back from considering an EV, map out a typical driving day. How far is school? After school activities? Your job? Add this all together for a really strong estimate of the range you need from unplugging in the morning to charging again at night.
Kelly, What If I Take A Lot Of Road Trips?
If you’re the type of family that takes a lot of road trips, you might think a gas car is more convenient because of how easy gas stations are to access. However, taking a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) can be done with a bit planning.
Many EVs now come with trip-planning features that help you map out your journey with charging stops included. Plus, the Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator is constantly updated with new charging stations. This means you can plan your route to include stops for charging.
But the reality is - this is a personal decision. I don’t think electric cars are convenient for road trips and if our family did them often, an electric car wouldn’t be considered.
The Big Question: Why Aren’t All Cars Hybrid?
This is our question exactly!! For the buyer, hybrid cars make a TON of sense, but manufacturers have some concerns.
Many manufacturers believe the window for hybrids is too short since electric cars are going to be widely available soon. While I don’t necessarily agree, they see hybrids as a temporary solution and don't think it's worth investing in them for the long term.
Additionally, not all manufacturers have the same level of hybrid technology. Toyota has been making hybrids successfully since the 1990’s (hello Prius) and has proven their technology works well. In contrast, Hyundai has some promising advancements, but they are still catching up.
Lastly, there are certain regulations all manufacturers must follow in terms of miles per gallon averages in their fleet. If a car brand is going to have a full-size SUV that’s gas-powered, then they will bring out an all-electric car to offset the lack of miles. Hybrids do not create as much of a difference in terms of averaging out MPG averages, so it makes less sense from their perspective.
When it comes to choosing the best car for your family, electric cars are an option I highly recommend. While the upfront cost is significantly more than the typical gas-powered car, there are a ton of incentives to make it worth the investment.
Although there are not a ton of family-friendly electric cars out there right now, there are still a few that I’ve toured and think are excellent options. In a few years time, I know this best electric cars for families list will be twice as long.
Do you have an electric car that you love for your family? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest car buying tips on the market, check out my recent posts:
