A hybrid vehicle gets its name from the fact that it uses two separate and different types of engine technologies that work with each other. There is an electric motor which uses a rechargeable battery pack to provide fuel as well as a standard gasoline-powered engine like you find in a traditional car. Hybrid cars were created to offer a vehicle that is more environmentally-friendly with lower emissions and better gas mileage.
Some people get confused about the difference between a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle, but they are two very unique and different cars. The hybrid has an electric motor to assist it but primarily uses an internal combustion engine powered by gasoline.
Some SUVs designed to be hybrid even come with a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. There are plenty of choices, so it all comes down to personal preference.
Benefits Associated with Hybrid Cars
If you’re considering a hybrid car to make your next road trip, you need to think about the advantages and disadvantages of this sort of vehicle. We are going to help you understand what you can expect when you choose a hybrid vehicle versus a gasoline-powered car or an electric SUV.
Hybrids Teach Efficient Driving
One of the things that a hybrid is going to teach you is efficient driving. The truth is that any car you drive is going to have better mileage when you brake and accelerate more gently. However, most hybrids have a display that shows you what your current mileage is and the average miles you are getting per gallon. You’re constantly aware of what’s going on while you drive.
In some cases, it may even tell you how much energy you get back using the brakes. With a traditional car, this isn’t in your face so you may not think about it. A hybrid gives you the challenge of driving in an efficient manner.
Hybrids Are Fantastic for City Driving
Unlike traditional vehicles, a hybrid vehicle has a better mileage rating in the city than on a highway. Those who have a daily commute with stop and go traffic will find that a hybrid vehicle will dramatically increase their fuel economy. Each time you press down on the brake, it helps generate electricity. That is then used when going at slow speeds or as help to accelerate quickly. Inside of the city, you can expect to see very high mile per gallon ratings.
Hybrids Require Less Maintenance
When you are driving a hybrid, the gas engine doesn’t run when you’re moving along slowly or at a stop. You may find yourself surprised how often this occurs when you drive away from the highway. This results in having less wear and tear put on your engine.
You can also expect the brakes to last longer on a hybrid. Barring moments when you need to brake suddenly, braking helps regenerate electricity. Because you rarely need to use your conventional brakes, it’s no surprise that the brakes need less service.
Hybrids Engines Stay Warm
If you were to speak to a vehicle technician, they would let you know that starting an engine cold makes it harder to crank. It also leads to more wear on the engine than if you start up an engine that has already been warmed up.
Many hybrids get rid of this problem by preventing cold starts. This is done by storing the coolant in a car component that could be compared to a thermos. As such, the system keeps the fluids warm for days at a time. This means instant heat and quick starts, even in the winter cold.
Hybrids Are More Environmentally Friendly
It doesn’t matter which hybrid vehicle you choose or how you drive, this car is going to be better for the environment than the alternative. You may find that you use up to 60% less gasoline than you use with a traditional vehicle. Even less efficient hybrids can save you 30% on the gasoline that you use when driving just as you normally do.
Cons of Choosing a Hybrid Vehicle
As with the many advantages of a hybrid, there are some things that are less than perfect, as well. It’s important to be aware of these potential drawbacks if you are considering whether a hybrid is worth it for your needs. We’ll share a few things that everyone should be aware of before buying a hybrid vehicle.
Not Every Hybrid is Created the Same
Every hybrid is its own car and it may take research to choose the one that best fits your needs. For instance, some may not be able to run on the electric motor on its own. Others don’t have the high fuel economy ratings of other models and brands. When the gasoline engine turns off, other cars may not allow you to enjoy the air conditioning and heat. Many of these things are common with “mild hybrids,” whereas true hybrids tend to be more full-featured.
Third Row Seating is Fairly Uncommon
If you are in the market for a large vehicle and want third-row seating, you aren’t going to find many hybrids that meet the market. The Toyota Highlander is one option but it’s a massive vehicle so it doesn’t have the best mileage for a hybrid. There are other options out there and some that are being designed right now, but hybrids with third-row seating are not common and will require a lot of research if it’s something you cannot give up.
More Expensive to Purchase
A hybrid has extensive technology which means that it is also going to cost more than a traditional vehicle. Even if you decide to choose a used hybrid, it’s going to cost more than a similar used gasoline-powered vehicle. This may or may not make a hybrid out of the realm of possibility for you, but it is something that needs to be considered when determining whether this is the car that is most worth it for your needs. If it's features that you're looking for on a limited budget, you will probably be able to get more bang for your buck with a gas-powered vehicle, although you'll need to factor in the increased fuel costs throughout the life of the car.
Less Powerful Than a Traditional Vehicle
As you know, the power used in a hybrid car comes from a combination of electricity and gasoline. However, the current limits with regards to electricity used in cars means that the hybrid is going to have less power than a gas-powered vehicle. This might not be a big deal for someone who is a casual driver. However, those who are big on high performance or do a lot of freeway driving may find that this makes a hybrid the wrong choice for them at this time.
Wrapping Up
There are all sorts of reasons to go from driving a traditional car to a hybrid vehicle. Some people do so in order to benefit the environment and don’t mind flashing a little extra cash for that benefit. Others find the lower annual fuel costs makes a hybrid the perfect choice. For other individuals, the perks aren’t worth paying a higher cost for a hybrid.
Is a hybrid vehicle worth it? It depends on who you are and who you ask. As the prices of hybrids continue to drop, a hybrid may be a great choice for saving money on gas and enjoying the knowledge that the environment is better treated by this sort of car. In the end, you need to consider the information here before you buy a new hybrid, electric, or traditional vehicle and get your registration and insurance in order. Good luck!
