Combustion, hybrid or electric: which car should you choose today?

When it’s time to pick a car, it all looks simple: petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric. But the moment you start comparing, the questions pile up. Is an electric car really cheaper? Is a hybrid just a half-measure? Or is a good old diesel still the smartest bet?

The good news is there’s no wrong answer here — only what fits your day-to-day, and what doesn’t. In this article we’ve laid out every option in plain terms: what each one gives you, what it really costs, and a quick way to work out which is yours. No complicated maths required. 

Four options — and who each one is for

Let’s start with a clear picture. Today you’re choosing between four powertrain types, and each is happiest in a different situation.

Combustion cars (petrol, diesel) still form the backbone of Lithuania’s roads — diesel cars alone make up 63.6% of the entire passenger fleet (Lithuanian Energy Agency). And there’s a reason: a dense fuel-station network, predictable technology and strong residual value. If you cover a lot of ground, often on highways, this option won’t let you down.

Mild hybrids (MHEV) are the gentlest step toward saving. Essentially it’s a regular petrol car with a small electric motor that helps at takeoff and shaves a little off fuel use. You can’t plug it in — the battery fills up as you drive. A modest gain, but zero hassle.

Full and plug-in hybrids (HEV, PHEV) are the most popular choice in Lithuania today — hybrids make up nearly half of all new cars registered (Lithuanian Energy Agency). No surprise: a full hybrid saves fuel in the city effortlessly, while a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can be charged at home and do short trips on electricity alone, keeping the petrol engine for longer drives. Two cars in one, really.

Electric cars (BEV) are growing fastest — Lithuania already has over 26,000 of them registered (Ministry of Transport and Communications). Instant torque, complete silence inside and the lowest running costs make them especially appealing. The only question worth answering honestly: will you have somewhere convenient to charge?

💡 Not sure which type is yours? Don’t choose blind — browse the MyBee car catalogue and see every option in one place, with a clear monthly price. No hidden fees, no haggling. 

What each one really costs

The price on the windscreen is only the start. The real money is in what comes after: fuel or electricity, insurance, servicing, tyres, and how much the car will be worth in three years. Here’s how the options stack up from that angle.

Electric — cheapest day to day. No oil or gearbox-fluid changes, and thanks to regenerative braking the brakes barely wear. The maths is easy too: if a car uses about 20 kWh per 100 km, multiply your electricity tariff by 20 and you’ve got the cost of a 100 km trip (Ministry of Transport and Communications). Usually it works out several times cheaper than fuel.

Hybrid — the golden middle. In real city conditions a hybrid sips just about 4.7–4.9 litres per 100 km (LRT) — and all that with zero charging worries. That’s exactly what makes it so convenient for anyone who wants to save but has nowhere to charge an EV yet.

Combustion — predictable, but getting pricier. The car itself costs less, but fuel, insurance and servicing climb every year, while tightening emission rules slowly eat into its residual value. Cheap today, but pricier over time.

Two small things worth knowing, since they rarely get mentioned: electric-car tyres wear a little faster because of the extra weight and sharp torque, and in winter the range shrinks as some energy goes to heating the cabin (Vrumm.lt). Nothing dramatic — just handy to keep in mind when you plan. 

A quick test: which car is yours?

Instead of comparing dry specs, answer one question — how do you actually drive? Everything follows from that.

If you spend most of your time in the city and have somewhere to charge (at home or at work), and cover up to ~150 km a day — an electric car will be your best move. You’ll get the quietest drive and the smallest bills.

If you’d love electric in town but often travel further and can’t always charge — go for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Just don’t forget the key condition: you have to charge it regularly, or you’re hauling a battery around for nothing (BMW.lt).

If charging is a hassle but you still want lower fuel bills — a full hybrid (HEV) is the option you simply can’t get wrong. There’s a reason it’s the most popular choice today.

And if you cover serious mileage and often drive in the regions where the fuel-station network matters — a good diesel is still your ally.

💡 Found your match? You don’t have to buy it and take on the risk. See how long-term rental works — get the car today, and easily switch to another tomorrow if your needs change. 

Why it matters not just what you choose, but how

There’s one more thing that’s easy to forget. Technology is changing so fast right now that a car which looked perfect a year ago can already be outdone by a newer model. And if you bought it for the next five years — you’re stuck with what you picked.

That’s exactly why more and more drivers are renting long-term instead of buying. The logic is simple: you no longer have to guess which technology will “win”. Electric doesn’t suit you yet? Take a hybrid today and move to electric later — with none of the headache over residual value or surprise repairs. Insurance, servicing and tyres are already rolled into one fixed monthly payment, so you know your costs in advance. 

So what should you choose in the end?

Let’s sum up. Electric wins on cost and city comfort if you can charge. A hybrid is the safe all-rounder for almost anyone. Diesel still makes sense for big distances and the regions. And long-term rental is what lets you decide with a clear head — no long-term risk, and a clear cost every month.

Don’t want to guess — just want the right car? Leave a request and the MyBee team will match an option to your routine and budget. Or browse all the cars right now — your next car could be waiting today. 

Frequently asked questions

So which is cheaper in the end — electric or hybrid?

Day to day, electric is cheapest: no oil changes, brakes that barely wear, and charging that usually costs less than fuel. But the whole benefit hinges on having somewhere to charge. If you don’t, a hybrid can be more practical — it saves fuel with no extra infrastructure at all.

Is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) really worth it?

It is, if you’ll charge the battery regularly — then you drive on electricity in town and keep the petrol engine for longer trips. But if you won’t bother charging, the PHEV’s advantages simply vanish and you’re carrying extra weight. In that case, a full hybrid is the better call.

Can you comfortably travel far and drive in winter with an electric car?

You can — just know that range drops in the cold, and on long trips it pays to check charging stops along the route in advance. If you often drive far and don’t want to think about it, a hybrid gives you more freedom.

I drive a lot in the city — which car suits me?

The city is where electric and hybrid shine. An electric car is the quietest and cheapest here, while a hybrid is a great pick if charging is awkward. Both are at their most efficient in town, where frequent braking lets the car claw back some energy.

Why rent instead of just buying a car?

Because renting turns every car cost into one clear monthly figure — insurance, servicing and maintenance included. While technology keeps changing this fast, it lets you switch cars as your needs shift, without risking residual value or unexpected repair bills.