Diesel, gas, natural gas, hybrid, or electric – Which fuel type is right for you?
Published:
31.05.2022
Updated:
25.08.2026
There is no single right answer when it comes to choosing a powertrain for your car. An electric vehicle may be an excellent fit for one person, while a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or diesel car may be the more practical choice for another. Key factors include annual mileage, the length of typical trips, charging options, and where and how you usually drive.
The growing popularity of electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids in particular has brought new options for car buyers. In this article, we compare different powertrains and help you figure out which one fits best into your everyday life.
Key takeaways
- An electric vehicle is a great fit if you can charge regularly, the car's range meets your driving needs, and you're able to invest in a slightly higher price range.
- A plug-in hybrid works best when you can cover most of your daily driving on electricity and are able to charge the car regularly.
- A full hybrid is well suited for city and urban driving without the need for external charging.
- A gasoline car can be a smart choice, especially for those who drive relatively little or irregularly.
- A diesel car is still a good fit for many drivers who log a lot of highway miles or need strong towing capacity.
- Don't choose a powertrain based solely on fuel consumption. Also consider the purchase price, taxes, running costs, and your own driving profile.
Choosing a powertrain starts with your everyday life
The best place to start when looking for the right powertrain is to think about what kind of driving you actually do. Annual mileage alone doesn't tell you which option is best. For example, 10,000 kilometers a year driven mostly in the city is a very different situation from the same distance covered on long highway trips. Similarly, a high-mileage driver can benefit from an electric vehicle if charging is convenient and the car's range fits their daily driving needs.
If your daily life looks like this | Consider especially |
Short trips and easy access to charging | Electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid |
Short trips without access to charging | Full hybrid or gasoline car |
Lots of city and urban driving | Electric vehicle or full hybrid |
Lots of long-distance driving | Electric vehicle or diesel depending on driving profile |
Short daily commutes and occasional long trips | Plug-in hybrid |
Lots of long-distance driving and towing needs | Diesel or a purpose-suited electric vehicle |
Before choosing a car, it's worth thinking about at least:
- how much you drive per year
- how long your typical trips are
- whether you drive mostly in the city, on the highway, or both
- whether you can charge at home or at work
- how often you take long trips
- whether you need towing capacity
- how much you want to spend on purchasing and running the car
Electric vehicle or hybrid?
Electric vehicle or hybrid is one of the most common questions for anyone considering an electrified car. The biggest practical difference is straightforward: an electric vehicle runs entirely on electricity, while a hybrid has both a combustion engine and an electric motor.
If you're not yet familiar with the different types of hybrids, also check out what's the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
So with a plug-in hybrid, you can handle short trips on electricity and cover long trips safely on gas?
Exactly. Plug-in hybrids have advanced rapidly, and there's plenty of choice for every need. Battery sizes have grown to quite usable levels in newer models — in the latest plug-in hybrids, the electric WLTP range can already exceed 100 kilometers depending on the model.
A plug-in hybrid is an excellent fit for short commutes and city driving, where most of the trip can be covered on pure electricity when the car is charged at home or at work. In typical city driving, braking energy is also efficiently recovered, which you may notice when pressing the brake pedal — something you'll definitely feel in certain BMW hybrid models, for example.
For long trips and towing needs, the combustion engine does the heavy lifting, with the electric motor providing assistance.
I've been interested in an electric vehicle for a while — would it work for me?
It's worth keeping an electric vehicle in mind if it's within reach and its requirements fit your lifestyle. There's a lot to choose from, and electric vehicles are no longer just Tesla — the brand that first broke through — as the electric vehicle market is now crowded with manufacturer after manufacturer unveiling their latest models. We recently took a look at the electric vehicle lineup, and you can read that article here.
Depending on the manufacturer and driving style, range typically varies between 200 and 700 kilometers. Range is affected not only by driving style but also by tire choice, outside temperature, mud flaps, air conditioning use — essentially all the same factors that affect fuel consumption in a combustion engine car, which naturally also affect an electric vehicle's range. You just may not have paid as much attention to them before, since you could always swing by a gas station without a second thought and never had to think about the availability of charging points along the way. Read more about charging an electric vehicle at home vs. at a public charging station.
Electric vehicle drivers need to plan longer trips a bit more carefully than those who rely on gasoline. The charging network is expanding quickly, but the fastest chargers aren't quite everywhere yet. For city driving and commuting, electric is a hassle-free option — especially if you can charge at home. So whether an electric vehicle suits a high-mileage driver really comes down to personal preferences and requirements.
What's the difference between a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and an electric vehicle?
- A full hybrid (HEV) combines a combustion engine and an electric motor. The car is not plugged in to charge; instead, the battery gets its energy from sources such as regenerative braking and the car's own drivetrain.
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines a combustion engine, an electric motor, and an externally chargeable drive battery.
- A fully electric vehicle has no combustion engine at all. All the energy needed for driving comes from the drive battery, so charging the car is a normal part of its use.
Gasoline and diesel are still valid options
Going electric doesn't mean a gasoline or diesel car is automatically a poor choice. Both still have use cases where they can make a lot of sense.
Diesel has always gotten the job done — and it still does!
Diesel remains a serious contender, even if the media coverage has been relentless at times. The shift to electric vehicles doesn't happen overnight, and Finland is a country of long distances. The charging network isn't quite up to speed in the north and east yet, so there are still plenty of drivers who rely on combustion engines. Electric vehicle prices in certain size categories are still out of reach for many, so diesel is alive and well.
Fuel consumption on highway trips is often lower than in gasoline cars. That's why diesel remains the go-to choice for high-mileage drivers, even though the vehicle tax is higher due to the fuel power tax. For short trips and low annual mileage, diesel isn't the best option — it's worth looking at other alternatives instead.
For those who need a workhorse for towing, diesel is still a popular choice. While electric vehicles can now be fitted with trailer hitches and towing capacity in the largest models has reached a decent level, their range drops significantly enough that they're not yet a viable option for everyone. A diesel engine ensures you won't be left stranded on a vacation trip with a travel trailer or towing a snowmobile to the ski slopes in winter — and you don't need to plan your route around charging stations either.
You drive little enough that the price of gas doesn't really hit your wallet.
Why give up something that works. Gasoline cars also don't carry as high a vehicle tax as diesel cars, since gasoline-powered passenger cars are not subject to the fuel power tax. From a cost-savings perspective, a low-mileage driver has little reason to switch from gasoline — unless it's to a newer, more fuel-efficient model, or unless plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles are within reach price-wise.
What about a gas-powered car?
Driving a gas-powered car isn't much different from driving a regular combustion engine vehicle. The most noticeable differences show up on the instrument cluster and at the fuel door. In addition to the standard fuel gauge, the instrument cluster includes a separate display or gauge for the gas level. Behind the fuel door, you'll find a dedicated connector for the gas hose alongside the regular gasoline filler.
Among major brands, Audi, Škoda, and Volkswagen produced popular gas-powered models for a long time (mainly from 2013 to 2024), which are now sought-after on the used car market. If you're thinking about upgrading from your current gasoline car, some models can also be converted to run on gas after the fact.
Gas filling stations are now more widely available, as the network has expanded to the north and east as well — Rovaniemi, for example, got its own filling station in the summer of 2024. That said, it's still worth checking your route in advance using Gasum's filling station map before heading out on a longer trip. When driving on gas, range varies between approximately 350 and 500 kilometers depending on tank size. Your journey won't come to a halt if the gas runs out, though, since the car's own gasoline tank adds roughly 100 to 200 kilometers of range depending on its size. A gas-powered car is a smart, economical, and low-emission choice for drivers who have convenient filling stations along their daily and work commute routes.
Do you drive a little or a lot? Mileage alone isn't the deciding factor
Annual mileage influences the choice of powertrain, but what matters even more is what kind of driving those miles consist of. If you drive, say, 10,000 kilometers a year mostly in the city, an electric vehicle or hybrid may be a great fit. On the other hand, if you drive 20,000 kilometers a year on a regular commute and can charge the car every night, an electric vehicle can be an excellent option.
For drivers who do a lot of long highway driving, diesel may still be a justified choice. At the same time, an electric vehicle can also work well for high-mileage drivers if the range, charging speed, and charging network align with their routes.
So don't choose a powertrain based on a single annual mileage threshold. Also consider:
- how long your individual trips are
- whether you can charge between them
- how much you drive in the city versus on the highway
- how often you take long, uninterrupted trips
Long trips, cabin getaways, and towing needs factor into the decision
If you frequently take long trips, it's especially worth thinking about range, refueling or charging, and potential towing needs when choosing a powertrain.
An electric vehicle handles long trips well when the car's range and fast-charging capabilities suit your routes. It's a good idea, however, to plan for the necessary charging stops along the way.
Diesel, on the other hand, may still be a great fit for drivers who frequently cover long, steady highway miles or regularly need strong towing capacity. Towing capacity should always be verified for each specific model, regardless of powertrain.
Also read about driving long distances in a hybrid and how far you can get on a single electric vehicle charge.
What does powertrain mean for the cost of owning a car?
Total ownership costs are affected by factors including:
- the purchase price of the car
- the price of fuel or electricity
- the car's energy consumption
- vehicle tax
- maintenance
- insurance
- the cost of a home charging solution, if applicable
- the car's resale value
The true cost of a car shouldn't be evaluated based solely on what fuel or electricity costs. Driving on electricity can be affordable in terms of energy costs, especially when charging at home. However, this doesn't automatically mean an electric vehicle is the cheapest overall option for everyone. In the same way, a more affordably priced gasoline car for a low-mileage driver can make more financial sense as a whole than a more expensive electrified alternative, even if its fuel costs are higher.
How to choose the right powertrain for your everyday needs
If you are still unsure which powertrain suits you best, start by thinking about your everyday driving. In addition to the powertrain, the final choice should also be based on the car’s price, size, equipment, driving characteristics, towing capacity and other features that matter in your daily life.
Electric car vs. plug-in hybrid vs. full hybrid
Choose an electric car when
- charging is easy and convenient
- the car’s driving range suits your typical journeys
- you want to drive fully electric
- you are prepared to plan charging on longer trips
Consider a plug-in hybrid when
- you can charge the car regularly
- a large share of your everyday driving can be done on electric power
- you also make longer journeys
- you want to combine electric driving with the flexibility of a combustion engine
Consider a full hybrid when
- you cannot or do not want to charge the car
- you drive a lot in cities and urban areas
- you want to benefit from an electric motor without changing your charging routines
Diesel or petrol?
A petrol car may suit you when
- you drive relatively little or your driving varies a lot
- charging does not fit your everyday routine
- you want a simple option that does not require charging
A diesel car may suit you when
- you drive a lot of long distances
- you regularly need towing capacity
- your driving needs make good use of diesel’s characteristics
Still unsure about which powertrain to choose?
Can you buy an electric vehicle if you can't charge at home?
Yes. Home charging makes owning an electric vehicle easier, but an electric vehicle can work well even when regular charging is possible at work or at a nearby public charging point.
Is a plug-in hybrid worth it if you can't charge it regularly?
One of the key benefits of a plug-in hybrid is the ability to cover everyday trips on electricity. If you're unable to charge regularly, a full hybrid or another powertrain may be a better fit.
Does a high-mileage driver have to choose diesel?
No. An electric vehicle can also work well for high-mileage drivers if the range, charging speed, and charging options align with their driving profile. What matters more than sheer mileage is what kind of driving those miles consist of.
Should you choose a powertrain based solely on fuel consumption?
No. In addition to fuel or electricity costs, it's worth factoring in the purchase price, taxes, maintenance, insurance, and the car's resale value.
What should you check when buying a used electrified car?
When choosing an electric vehicle or hybrid, it's worth looking into the battery's condition, the car's charging capabilities, range, service history, and how well the specific model suits your needs. Buying a hybrid is covered in more detail in Saka's hybrid car buyer's guide.
Find the right car for you at Saka
Choosing a powertrain doesn't have to start with deciding you want specifically an electric vehicle, a hybrid, or a diesel car. What's more important is thinking about what kind of driving the car will be used for.
Saka's selection includes electric vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and gasoline and diesel cars for a variety of needs. If you're not yet sure which powertrain fits best into your everyday life, Saka's sales team is happy to help you compare options and find the right car for you.
Sources
Traficom – Vehicle tax
Gasum – Gas filling stations
Saka – News and campaigns
Saka – Guides and instructions
Official model-specific pages from vehicle manufacturers – Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz
Read related topics
To help with your selection