The Pros And Cons Of Hybrid Cars
With the move to make better and more environmentally friendly decisions, it’s not surprising how hybrid cars seem to be on the rise nowadays. They’re increasing in popularity and becoming more common. If you aren’t familiar yet with what a hybrid car is, it’s one that uses two or more engines, usually an electric motor and a conventional engine. At lower speeds, the electric motor can power the car. At higher speeds, the conventional engine takes over the job.
The buzz surrounding hybrid cars is brought about the benefits that continuously make them an attractive choice to potential car owners, especially those who are on the hunt to purchase Hyundai cars and other models. But, because many still know little about it other than the fact that’s it an environmentally friendly option, it’s not surprising how there’s still a lot more to know about hybrid cars, which you should learn before finally deciding on buying one.
If you’re still on the fence as to whether a hybrid car is the best vehicle for you, you can just refer to this guide, which will help you make an informed choice:
The Pros
These are the advantages that may convince you to purchase a hybrid car, especially when you’re looking to buy your first car.
1. Hybrid Cars Emit Cleaner Energy
Hybrid cars run on a combination of gas and electricity. This means that they also emit less energy and pollution than conventional vehicles that run only on gas. Because of this, hybrid cars are considered as the more eco-friendly option than other conventional vehicles.
2. Hybrid Cars Run On Dual Power
Another advantage of choosing a hybrid car is the fact that it runs on dual power energy. Depending on the circumstances, the car can source its power from either the engine, the motor, or both. At low speeds, it’s the electric motor that’s used, much like how electric vehicles work. At higher speeds, the combustion engine kicks in, after which the electric battery can then recharge itself using the combustion engine.
When the car is accelerating or climbing heights, the electric engine assists the combustion engine.
3. Hybrid Cars Have A Regenerative Braking Feature
With a hybrid vehicle, a significant percentage of the energy produced during braking is fed to the battery. This kind of action reduces fuel consumption, as the charge available to the electric motor is increased. In effect, the life of your brakes may be extended as well.
4. Hybrid Cars Have Better Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency is another advantage of hybrid cars. This refers to both the fuel consumption itself and the cost of buying fuel. For city driving, hybrid cars aren’t as reliant on gas or diesel. This results in significant reduction in fuel dependency and expense.
The Cons
To balance out the advantages listed above, you’ll also have to be aware of these disadvantages of buying hybrid cars:
1. Hybrid Cars May Possibly Have A Higher Purchasing Cost
Because hybrid cars come with higher complexity, these may also be considered as relatively more expensive than their counterparts. For instance, in addition to all the features that regular, commercial cars have, hybrid vehicles feature the following:
- A more complex central computer system;
- An electric motor;
- An enhanced cooling system;
- A large battery pack;
- Additional wiring.
On top of the purchasing cost, the added technology in hybrid cars can also increase the maintenance costs. Moreover, technology will eventually succumb to wear and tear, which may cause damage and regular repairs to keep the system working efficiently.
2. Hybrid Cars May Have Poor Fuel Economy During Long Drives
Hybrid cars may be great only for city driving or if your distance to be covered from Point A to B isn’t too far. If you consistently do long drives, however, the fuel economy may just be as poor as a commercial car’s. So, in those instances, using a hybrid vehicle may not make sense.
When driving on highways, hybrid cars can emit quite the same pollutants as commercial cars. It’s only during city driving when hybrid cars become the more environment-friendly choice, as they release fewer pollutants than conventional cars do.
3. Hybrid Cars May Require Higher Insurance Rates
Because hybrid vehicles are more prone to system damage, this means the insurance cost may be significantly higher than that of conventional vehicles. Other factors that may lead to a higher insurance cost include:
- Higher purchase price of hybrid vehicles;
- Cost of complex hybrid technology;
- Nature of average hybrid car buyers, usually urban dwellers, whose insurance rates are also higher;
- Higher cost of repairs for hybrid vehicles.
Consider If A Hybrid Car Is Right For You
Hybrid cars seem to have infiltrated quite a wide range or class of vehicles nowadays, from sedans to minivans. Because of their popularity and demand, so many new car owners are opting to drive a hybrid car.
The pros and cons above are only a general guide. It’s up to you to weigh them according to what applies to you best and what you’re looking for in a vehicle.