Buying a new car once came down to one simple dilemma: petrol or diesel. Today, that decision looks completely different, as drivers now choose between a conventional engine, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid. There are more options than ever, but that also means more uncertainty.
What makes things even more complicated is the fact that there is no universally best powertrain. A vehicle that works perfectly for someone who drives 15 kilometres a day around the city will not be the same choice for a driver who regularly covers routes of 300 kilometres or more. Fuel prices, maintenance costs, charging station availability and, of course, budget all play an important role.
That is exactly why we have prepared this guide to all types of powertrains. Below, you will learn how they differ, which option truly pays off for different types of drivers and how to choose a vehicle that fits your habits and your budget.
What Types of Powertrains Are Available?
To begin with, it is worth clarifying the basics, because terms such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and BEV are often mixed up. Today, there are four main types of powertrains on the market, and the differences between them are greater than they may seem at first glance.
Petrol Vehicle
A petrol vehicle is still powered by a conventional internal combustion engine, a technology that has been proven over decades. The service network is widely developed, spare parts are easy to find, and refuelling takes literally two minutes at almost any petrol station.
On the other hand, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are noticeably higher than with other powertrains. For drivers who cover higher mileage, the fuel bill becomes a serious item in the monthly budget.
Hybrid Vehicle
A hybrid vehicle combines a petrol engine and an electric motor, which work together to optimise fuel consumption. The battery charges itself while driving through regenerative braking, so there is no need for external charging.
In urban conditions, the electric motor takes on a larger share of the work, especially at lower speeds and during frequent stops. On the open road, the petrol engine once again takes the main role. According to ACEA, hybrid vehicles accounted for 34.5 percent of the EU market share in 2025, making them the most in-demand type of powertrain in Europe.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle
A plug-in hybrid vehicle works similarly to a conventional hybrid, but with one important difference. Its battery has a significantly larger capacity and can be charged from an external power source, either at home or at a public charging station. This means that shorter routes, usually up to 50 or 70 kilometres, can be driven entirely on electricity.
Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle automatically switches to the petrol engine and continues operating like a standard hybrid. This combination makes PHEV models especially interesting for drivers who mostly cover shorter distances during the day, but occasionally go on longer trips as well.
Electric Vehicle
An electric vehicle relies entirely on an electric motor and battery, without any internal combustion engine. It starts quietly, accelerates smoothly and has far fewer moving parts, which directly means lower regular service costs. According to ACEA data, almost 1.9 million new electric vehicles were registered in the EU during 2025, with a market share of 17.4 percent.
The main challenge remains charging infrastructure, especially in countries such as Montenegro, where the charging network is still developing. Still, modern models now offer up to 400 kilometres of range on a single charge, which means an electric vehicle is increasingly becoming a realistic option for everyday use.
Hybrid vs Electric Vehicle: Key Differences
Both types of powertrains use an electric motor, but that is where the similarities mostly end. Differences in price, consumption and maintenance directly affect which vehicle will pay off more for you.
Price and Consumption
A hybrid vehicle is cheaper to buy because it uses a smaller battery and simpler technology. An electric vehicle costs more at the start, but charging costs are noticeably lower than fuel costs, since charging at home can cost as little as half the price of petrol per kilometre. In the long run, this difference in running costs gradually offsets the higher initial price.
Maintenance and Reliability
An electric vehicle has no oil, spark plugs or exhaust system, which directly means fewer and cheaper visits to the service centre. According to a study by Italian analysts Motus-E and Quattroruote Professional, regular maintenance costs for an EV can be 65 to 70 percent lower than for a vehicle with a conventional engine over eight years and 120,000 kilometres. Still, according to Consumer Reports research on the US market, hybrids record 26 percent fewer problems than conventional petrol vehicles, making them one of the most reliable powertrains today.
Range and Everyday Practicality
A hybrid vehicle relies on the petrol engine when the battery cannot meet driving needs, while a plug-in hybrid offers a compromise because it can cover shorter routes on electricity. An electric vehicle depends entirely on battery capacity, and although modern models offer up to 400 kilometres of range, charging in Montenegro still requires planning. For someone who lives in an apartment without a garage, a hybrid remains the more practical choice because it does not require any charging infrastructure.
Petrol or Electric: Which Vehicle Pays Off More?
The answer depends on three things: how much you drive, where you drive and whether you have a place to charge. There is no formula that applies to everyone, but there are clear scenarios where each type of vehicle has an advantage.
The Calculation in Favour of Electricity
Montenegro has one of the lowest electricity prices in Europe, which immediately puts electric vehicles in a favourable financial position. According to Eurostat data for 2025, the price of electricity in Montenegro is below 10 euros per 100 kWh, while, according to the Ministry of Energy, petrol 95 currently costs 1.57 euros per litre. A typical petrol vehicle consumes seven litres per 100 kilometres, which comes to around 11 euros, while the same distance in an EV charged at home can cost less than two euros.
The advantage is even greater for drivers who charge at night, as EPCG’s night tariff is around 0.05 euros per kWh. Over 20,000 kilometres per year, the difference in fuel costs can amount to hundreds of euros.
When a Petrol Vehicle Still Makes Sense
The calculation is not always simply in favour of electricity. A petrol vehicle remains the better choice for a driver who does not have the option of home charging, because relying only on public charging stations reduces a large part of the financial advantage. The charging network in Montenegro is still limited, especially outside Podgorica and the coast, while mountain and rural driving can further reduce EV range.
In addition, a petrol vehicle still has a clear advantage for occasional drivers. Someone who covers only 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres per year will find it difficult to offset the higher initial purchase price through fuel savings.
Which Vehicle Should You Buy Based on Your Needs?
The easiest way to choose the right vehicle is to answer one question: what does your average week behind the wheel look like? A Drive in Montenegro currently distributes three BAIC models that cover different driver profiles.
- City Driving and Low Costs: The BAIC X35 is compact, economical and easy to handle in city traffic. It is a good choice for drivers who cover shorter daily routes and want a reliable vehicle without high purchase and service costs.
- Longer Routes and More Comfort: The BAIC X55 II offers larger dimensions and a stronger turbo engine, making it a more natural choice for drivers who often travel between cities. The comfort it provides is also noticeable on longer routes.
- Family Driving: For families who need space and richer equipment, the BAIC All New X7 is the largest of the three models on offer and suits drivers looking for a true family SUV.
For those already considering a hybrid or electric powertrain, it is worth noting that BAIC has developed alternative powertrain models in its global portfolio, and these models can be expected in the A Drive showroom in the near future.
Conclusion: There Is No Perfect Powertrain, Only the Right Choice for You
Now that you know how petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains differ, the decision becomes much easier. Each of them has specific advantages, but also clear limitations that directly depend on where you live, how much you drive and how much you are ready to invest at the start. No powertrain wins in every category at once.
In the end, what truly decides is not the technology or the marketing story, but your everyday driving habits. A driver who covers short city routes every day and has access to a home charger will have a completely different calculation from someone who travels hundreds of kilometres on mountain roads every week. Assess your needs, compare long-term costs and only then choose the vehicle that will truly pay off for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an electric car pay off in Montenegro?
For a driver who has the option of home charging, the answer is yes. Montenegro has one of the lowest electricity prices in Europe, which makes electric driving costs significantly lower than petrol costs. The main condition is access to a charging point, since infrastructure outside Podgorica and the coast is still developing.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
When charging at home during the night, EPCG’s night tariff is around 0.05 euros per kWh. For an average EV that consumes around 15 kWh per 100 kilometres, that means less than one euro for 100 kilometres driven. Compared to petrol, which currently costs 1.57 euros per litre, the difference is highly significant.
Is a hybrid better than a petrol car for city driving?
For the city, a hybrid has a clear advantage because the electric motor takes over at lower speeds and during frequent stops, which directly reduces fuel consumption. Compared to a conventional petrol car, a hybrid can consume up to 40 percent less fuel in urban driving. In addition, the battery charges itself while driving, so there are no extra obligations.
How long does the battery last in a hybrid or electric car?
Most manufacturers offer a battery warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometres. In practice, an EV battery loses around one to two percent of its capacity per year under normal use, which means it can still retain solid range even after ten years. Hybrid batteries are smaller and generally last between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometres.
What vehicle is the smartest first step for someone switching from a petrol car?
For a first-time buyer switching from a petrol car, a hybrid is the easiest step because it does not change driving habits and does not require any charging infrastructure. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a good middle-ground option for those who have a home charger but are not yet ready for a fully electric powertrain. Regardless of the choice, the key is to choose a vehicle based on your real driving habits, not on what looks most prestigious on paper.
