There’s a growing perception that once drivers make the switch from an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle to an Electric Vehicle (EV), they rarely look back.
Research from J.D. Power supports this, with its 2025 US ownership study finding that 94% of battery electric vehicle owners would consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle.
But does that mean there’s no going back? Not necessarily. While EV loyalty appears particularly strong, some drivers still prefer the familiarity of traditional engines or the flexibility offered by hybrids.
With these figures in mind, an interesting discussion has emerged on the r/electricvehicles subreddit. Drivers are debating whether owning two EVs is the ideal arrangement, combining an electric vehicle with a traditional petrol car, or opting for a hybrid to enjoy the advantages of both technologies.
OP’s Reddit Post Sparks Debate
Convincing other half to go full EV
by
u/soren1712 in
electricvehicles
Reddit user u/soren1712 is a relatively new EV owner considering replacing their rarely used petrol SUV with a second electric vehicle. However, their girlfriend prefers a hybrid, citing concerns about charging availability, road-trip convenience and range anxiety.
There’s a lot of substance behind that. Some Reddit users share concerns about making the switch to fully electric motoring, particularly for long-distance journeys. Range anxiety remains a recurring theme, with drivers questioning whether charging points will always be available when needed. Others point out that stopping at a petrol station is often quicker and more convenient than waiting for an EV to recharge.
For those who regularly travel longer distances, this uncertainty can make owning a fully electric vehicle less appealing. Some users therefore favour keeping a petrol or diesel vehicle alongside their EV, while others suggest a hybrid offers a sensible middle ground.
Their comments highlight that, despite the growing appeal of electric motoring, charging convenience, journey planning and confidence in the available infrastructure continue to influence purchasing decisions.
Preparation for Worst Case Scenarios
There’s another interesting perspective from EV owners who favour electric motoring but still see a reason to keep a traditional combustion-engine vehicle. One Reddit user, who has driven an EV for nine years, suggested they might retain a petrol car in the event of a major societal collapse.
However, other users quickly challenged this idea, arguing that electric vehicles could actually be more practical in such circumstances. They pointed out that electricity can potentially be generated independently through solar panels, whereas producing and refining petrol requires a much more complex supply chain.
Others suggested that petrol supplies would eventually run out and that fuel distribution could grind to a halt. One user commented that, in a true apocalypse, a bicycle might prove more reliable than either vehicle.
Is There Really a Perfect Garage Setup?
Ultimately, the Reddit discussion highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between electric, petrol and hybrid vehicles. While some drivers are more than happy to embrace an entirely electric household, others prefer having a traditional combustion-engine vehicle available for longer journeys or added peace of mind.
Range anxiety, charging convenience and personal circumstances all play a part in shaping these decisions. Even among enthusiastic EV owners, there are different opinions about whether two electric vehicles are better than having a mixture of powertrains.
Perhaps the real question isn’t whether drivers can go back after switching to electric, but whether they actually need to. With technology, charging infrastructure and vehicle choices continuing to evolve, the ideal garage setup will ultimately come down to what works best for each household.
Would you go fully electric, keep a petrol car as a backup, or choose a hybrid?