DIESEL VS HYBRID CARS IN UAE: WHAT IS MORE COST EFFICIENT?

Shambhavi Singh
Est. Reading Time 5 mins

The UAE’s automotive market is constantly evolving with a variety of cars being introduced in the market. Diesel and hybrid car options are especially popular, making it difficult for car owners to choose between the two types of cars. While hybrid technology plays a vital role in the future development of automobiles, diesel cars are still significantly popular in the UAE.

So, which is the most cost-effective in terms of emission, fuel economy, and running costs? Do hybrid cars make more sense than diesel? To answer these questions, we have listed down some pros and cons of buying diesel and hybrid cars in UAE, to find out which one is better!
First, let us understand the key difference between how these cars work.

HOW DIESEL CARS WORK


Diesel cars are similar to gasoline vehicles and use internal combustion engines. They have a compression-ignited injection system engine rather than a spark-ignition system. Here, the diesel fuel is injected into the engine’s combustion chamber and ignited by the high temperatures produced when the piston compresses the gas. Diesel is the transportation fuel used in this engine system.

HOW HYBRID CARS WORK


Hybrid cars are a combination of combustion engines and electric motors. The combustion engine uses diesel or petrol from the fuel tank, and the electric motor draws energy from the built-in battery pack, which results in less gasoline consumption and emission of CO2. exterior and working condition of your car. Consider repeating the rinsing and waxing process once in a while.

COST OF RUNNING

Now that you know the basics of both the car versions, here are some key factors to consider regarding the cost of running before you decide which one best suits your needs:

1. HIGHWAY VS. CITY DRIVING

If we compare diesel and hybrid cars in terms of mileage, diesel cars perform better at constant speeds and ensure more highway efficiency than hybrid car models. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles are best while commuting around the town as they use larger batteries and powerful electric motors, which provide power for the car to travel short distances and at low speeds with the help of electricity.

2. POWERTRAIN OR FUEL EFFICIENCY

If we compare the fuel efficiency of both types, hybrid cars are more fuel efficient than diesel engines. Though diesel cars are more fuel efficient when compared to petrol cars, hybrid cars ensure the most fuel efficiency of the three fuel types. It’s because hybrid vehicles are designed to run on the gas engine, the electric motor, or both simultaneously, which ensures lower gas consumption. For instance, the claimed mileage of the Honda City Hybrid Model is 26.5 kmpl, whereas the Honda City Diesel model is 24.1 kmpl.

3. UPFRONT COST VS. TOTAL COST

Hybrid cars come with an increased upfront cost because of the added technology compared to conventional vehicles. Diesel cars also may cost more upfront compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. For instance, Toyota’s hybrid car model, Rav4 2.5L VXR, costs around 139,900 AED in the UAE, and the other diesel model from Toyota Hilux costs around AED 112,000.
As you can see, the difference in the price between the hybrid (AED 139,900) and the top diesel model (AED 112,000) is significant, at AED 27,000. However, these added costs eventually get cancelled out with future fuel savings. Depending on the drive type, diesel cars’ average running costs may increase significantly, compared to the cost of hybrid car versions.
Also Read: 5 Best Used Cars to Buy in the UAE

PROS AND CONS OF DIESEL CARS

Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of diesel cars that you might consider before making your decision.

Pros 

Cons

  • High fuel efficiency on highways

  • Tolerate higher mileage than petrol

  • Less CO2 emission hence, low road tax

  • High torque and pulling power

  • Longer range of driving

  • Higher price points

  • Higher maintenance costs

  • Produce nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates, so, not environment-friendly 

  • Volatile fuel price

  • Insurance can be 10-15% higher

  • Engine repair costs are higher


PROS AND CONS OF HYBRID CAR

Though hybrid cars are becoming extremely popular in the UAE, they may not be a viable solution for everyone. Here are some pros and cons you can consider.

Pros

Cons

  • More fuel efficient for short-term commute and environment-friendly 

  • High resale values

  • Low maintenance cost

  • Low congestion charges and tax bills

  • The conventional engine means there are no range limits

  • Higher upfront cost

  • Expensive battery replacement

  • Plug-in hybrids take hours to recharge and need a dedicated charging infrastructure

  • Still produce fossil fuel emissions


Also read: Manual Cars Vs Automatic Cars - The PROs & CONs

FUEL-COST CALCULATOR: HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY?

You can use an online fuel-cost calculator to measure the estimated trip cost based on fuel efficiency, fuel price, distance travelled, and preferred fuel type over a stipulated period of time. The calculator helps you understand the per-kilometre fuel cost based on the distance and mileage of a car.

To calculate the fuel cost for your car, enter the respective fuel-economy figures and mileage to see the difference. Once you add the required numbers, the car’s daily, monthly, and yearly fuel costs automatically appear in the table. Car users need to add the price of petrol and diesel per unit in their area and know how many kilometres per unit of petrol or diesel the vehicle will achieve. The vehicle’s mileage depends on the type of fuel.

CHOOSING A CAR THAT SUITS YOU BEST

Considering the pros and cons, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of both diesel and hybrid cars, choosing a hybrid over a diesel tends to make more financial sense regarding performance, specifications, and tech features.
Though diesel cars certainly have great features like better fuel economy, impressive acceleration, and high-torque performance, hybrid cars are eventually the undisputed kings of savings, considering fuel consumption, powertrains, and reduced pollution.
Both types of cars have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to make an eco-conscious choice and are ready to exceed your budget, go for a hybrid vehicle. In the end, though, it is more of a personal choice. Make sure you find all details about hybrid and diesel cars before buying a vehicle to make the right choice.

Need an expert opinion? Talk to our automotive wizards at CARS24.

FAQs

How does an electric car work?
Electric vehicles, also known as (BEVs) battery electric vehicles, have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The car uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged into charging equipment or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Since the car runs on electricity, it emits no exhaust from a tailpipe and does not contain liquid fuel components, such as a fuel line, fuel tank, or fuel pump.

What are the best hybrid cars in UAE?
Some of the popular hybrid car models in UAE are Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid Sedan, Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro and Plug-in Hybrid Ex Premium.

Where can I get a green auto loan for a hybrid car?
The UAE government offers a green auto loan to help transform the nation into a green and low-carbon economy. The government provides a particular type of car loan for electric and hybrid cars as part of its Go Green initiative. The National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), HSBC UAE, Emirates NBD (ENBD), and Emirates Islamic offer Green Auto Loans to UAE residents.







The UAE’s automotive market is constantly evolving with a variety of cars being introduced in the market. Diesel and hybrid car options are especially popular, making it difficult for car owners to choose between the two types of cars. While hybrid technology plays a vital role in the future development of automobiles, diesel cars are still significantly popular in the UAE.

So, which is the most cost-effective in terms of emission, fuel economy, and running costs? Do hybrid cars make more sense than diesel? To answer these questions, we have listed down some pros and cons of buying diesel and hybrid cars in UAE, to find out which one is better!
First, let us understand the key difference between how these cars work.

HOW DIESEL CARS WORK


Diesel cars are similar to gasoline vehicles and use internal combustion engines. They have a compression-ignited injection system engine rather than a spark-ignition system. Here, the diesel fuel is injected into the engine’s combustion chamber and ignited by the high temperatures produced when the piston compresses the gas. Diesel is the transportation fuel used in this engine system.

HOW HYBRID CARS WORK


Hybrid cars are a combination of combustion engines and electric motors. The combustion engine uses diesel or petrol from the fuel tank, and the electric motor draws energy from the built-in battery pack, which results in less gasoline consumption and emission of CO2. exterior and working condition of your car. Consider repeating the rinsing and waxing process once in a while.

COST OF RUNNING

Now that you know the basics of both the car versions, here are some key factors to consider regarding the cost of running before you decide which one best suits your needs:

1. HIGHWAY VS. CITY DRIVING

If we compare diesel and hybrid cars in terms of mileage, diesel cars perform better at constant speeds and ensure more highway efficiency than hybrid car models. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles are best while commuting around the town as they use larger batteries and powerful electric motors, which provide power for the car to travel short distances and at low speeds with the help of electricity.

2. POWERTRAIN OR FUEL EFFICIENCY

If we compare the fuel efficiency of both types, hybrid cars are more fuel efficient than diesel engines. Though diesel cars are more fuel efficient when compared to petrol cars, hybrid cars ensure the most fuel efficiency of the three fuel types. It’s because hybrid vehicles are designed to run on the gas engine, the electric motor, or both simultaneously, which ensures lower gas consumption. For instance, the claimed mileage of the Honda City Hybrid Model is 26.5 kmpl, whereas the Honda City Diesel model is 24.1 kmpl.

3. UPFRONT COST VS. TOTAL COST

Hybrid cars come with an increased upfront cost because of the added technology compared to conventional vehicles. Diesel cars also may cost more upfront compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. For instance, Toyota’s hybrid car model, Rav4 2.5L VXR, costs around 139,900 AED in the UAE, and the other diesel model from Toyota Hilux costs around AED 112,000.
As you can see, the difference in the price between the hybrid (AED 139,900) and the top diesel model (AED 112,000) is significant, at AED 27,000. However, these added costs eventually get cancelled out with future fuel savings. Depending on the drive type, diesel cars’ average running costs may increase significantly, compared to the cost of hybrid car versions.
Also Read: 5 Best Used Cars to Buy in the UAE

PROS AND CONS OF DIESEL CARS

Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of diesel cars that you might consider before making your decision.

Pros 

Cons

  • High fuel efficiency on highways

  • Tolerate higher mileage than petrol

  • Less CO2 emission hence, low road tax

  • High torque and pulling power

  • Longer range of driving

  • Higher price points

  • Higher maintenance costs

  • Produce nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates, so, not environment-friendly 

  • Volatile fuel price

  • Insurance can be 10-15% higher

  • Engine repair costs are higher


PROS AND CONS OF HYBRID CAR

Though hybrid cars are becoming extremely popular in the UAE, they may not be a viable solution for everyone. Here are some pros and cons you can consider.

Pros

Cons

  • More fuel efficient for short-term commute and environment-friendly 

  • High resale values

  • Low maintenance cost

  • Low congestion charges and tax bills

  • The conventional engine means there are no range limits

  • Higher upfront cost

  • Expensive battery replacement

  • Plug-in hybrids take hours to recharge and need a dedicated charging infrastructure

  • Still produce fossil fuel emissions


Also read: Manual Cars Vs Automatic Cars - The PROs & CONs

FUEL-COST CALCULATOR: HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY?

You can use an online fuel-cost calculator to measure the estimated trip cost based on fuel efficiency, fuel price, distance travelled, and preferred fuel type over a stipulated period of time. The calculator helps you understand the per-kilometre fuel cost based on the distance and mileage of a car.

To calculate the fuel cost for your car, enter the respective fuel-economy figures and mileage to see the difference. Once you add the required numbers, the car’s daily, monthly, and yearly fuel costs automatically appear in the table. Car users need to add the price of petrol and diesel per unit in their area and know how many kilometres per unit of petrol or diesel the vehicle will achieve. The vehicle’s mileage depends on the type of fuel.

CHOOSING A CAR THAT SUITS YOU BEST

Considering the pros and cons, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of both diesel and hybrid cars, choosing a hybrid over a diesel tends to make more financial sense regarding performance, specifications, and tech features.
Though diesel cars certainly have great features like better fuel economy, impressive acceleration, and high-torque performance, hybrid cars are eventually the undisputed kings of savings, considering fuel consumption, powertrains, and reduced pollution.
Both types of cars have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to make an eco-conscious choice and are ready to exceed your budget, go for a hybrid vehicle. In the end, though, it is more of a personal choice. Make sure you find all details about hybrid and diesel cars before buying a vehicle to make the right choice.

Need an expert opinion? Talk to our automotive wizards at CARS24.

FAQs

How does an electric car work?
Electric vehicles, also known as (BEVs) battery electric vehicles, have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The car uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged into charging equipment or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Since the car runs on electricity, it emits no exhaust from a tailpipe and does not contain liquid fuel components, such as a fuel line, fuel tank, or fuel pump.

What are the best hybrid cars in UAE?
Some of the popular hybrid car models in UAE are Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid Sedan, Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro and Plug-in Hybrid Ex Premium.

Where can I get a green auto loan for a hybrid car?
The UAE government offers a green auto loan to help transform the nation into a green and low-carbon economy. The government provides a particular type of car loan for electric and hybrid cars as part of its Go Green initiative. The National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), HSBC UAE, Emirates NBD (ENBD), and Emirates Islamic offer Green Auto Loans to UAE residents.







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