More drivers than ever are considering switching to an eco-friendlier vehicle. There are a number of reasons why hybrid cars can benefit you both financially and environmentally. However, there are some concerns about how eco-friendly hybrid cars are in comparison to fully electric vehicles.
Unlike fully electric vehicles, hybrid cars are powered by an electric motor but have a petrol or diesel engine to fall back on. For drivers who worry about range anxiety, investing in a hybrid could be the option for them.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of owning a hybrid vehicle and if it’s worth buying one in 2022.
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car is one that has dual means of propulsion. Hybrid cars are powered by an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine. There are three main types of hybrid vehicles that drivers can choose from.
They are usually full hybrid, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrids and can be determined by how the electric motor works with the combustion engine. Full hybrids tend to have smaller electric motors and can be used either simultaneously with the engine or independently.
Mild hybrids are similar, but the electric motor can’t be used independently and instead is used to assist the combustion engine. Both full and mild hybrid engines can charge the electric motor through regenerative braking.
Plug-in hybrids have larger electric motors which can be used independently and can be charged by an external power source. Some plug-in hybris can cover around 30 miles on a full charge which means drivers can benefit from full-electric driving all day long!
Advantages of hybrid cars
It’s no surprise that there are a number of benefits to owning a hybrid car.
- Environmentally friendly. When driven efficiently, hybrid cars can be greener and cleaner, and better for the environment. Hybrid cars consume less fuel than conventional cars which means they emit fewer emissions into the environment.
- Lower running costs. Hybrid cars are backed up by an electric motor which means you don’t have to spend as much on fuel and can reduce your running costs. Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home and it costs considerably less to charge an electric battery.
- Less maintenance. Electric motors tend to have fewer moving parts so it can be cheaper to maintain a hybrid vehicle and service intervals can be longer. However, they still do have a traditional combustion engine to look after too.
- Quiet and comfortable. One thing that most drivers realize when they make the switch to a hybrid vehicle is how quiet they are. Hybrids promote a smoother and quieter ride when compared to traditional combustion engines.
Disadvantages of hybrid cars
Just like anything in life, there can be downsides to owning a hybrid car.
- Higher purchase price. Many drivers are put off by the purchase price of a new hybrid car. They can be much more expensive to buy when compared to petrol or diesel alternatives. However, there are a number of used hybrid car PCP deals available nowadays.
- Not as eco-friendly. Hybrid cars are better for the environment when compared to conventional cars, but they still release harmful emissions into the environment. If you want to be more eco-conscious, you could consider going fully electric instead.
- Less power. Hybrid cars split their energy between two power sources which means that both the engine and the electric motor are typically smaller. Neither form of power source is as strong as it would be if they were in a traditional car or electric vehicle.
Should you buy a hybrid car in 2022?
After reading the guide above, you may have a clearer insight into whether a hybrid car is right for you or not. One big factor you should consider first is your budget.
A brand-new hybrid car may be out of reach, but you could benefit from a hybrid car finance deal with affordable payments to help spread the cost. If you want to get a hybrid car to reap the environmental benefits, you may be better off getting an electric car as they don’t emit any emissions into the environment.
You should also consider how far you travel each day. Some fully electric drivers suffer from range anxiety which is the worry that their eV will run out of charge before they reach their destination. However, hybrid cars have petrol and diesel engine to fall back on.