What are Hybrid Vehicles?
100 years ago, people may envision flying cars as part of everyday life. While modern technology hasn’t quite achieved that yet, hybrid cars are equally fascinating and starting to become more commonplace. Hybrid vehicles use multiple energy sources to move: an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
There are many different types of vehicles that exist within the hybrid car category. Some of the different types of hybrid cars include:
- Full-Hybrids: This type of vehicle utilizes the gas engine to power a generator while an electric motor drives the vehicle itself.
- Mild-Hybrids: This type of hybrid is a middle-ground between a full hybrid and a typical vehicle.
- Plug-in Hybrids: With plug-in hybrid vehicles, the car can be plugged in but it also has a petrol engine that serves as a backup.
Regardless of the type of hybrid, there are many pros and cons to owning and driving this type of vehicle. To determine if a hybrid vehicle is right for you, it is important to carefully understand the advantages and disadvantages to this type of car and to take into account your lifestyle.
What Are The Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car?
Along with this innovative technology comes several sizable downsides that are important to consider before purchasing a hybrid car. While there are benefits, these are some disadvantages to hybrid vehicles:
- The Cost: When you purchase a hybrid vehicle, you will notice that the upfront cost of hybrids are significantly higher than a gas vehicle. Hybrid cars can run thousands of dollars more than a gas car. You will need to assess your monthly budget and determine if there is room for a higher upfront cost and higher monthly payment if you want to pursue a hybrid vehicle.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: Because of the new technology in a hybrid car, the maintenance on these types of vehicles can be significant. Maintenance on a gas powered vehicle can be substantial and every car owner needs to take maintenance into the cost. However, due to the relatively new nature of this technology, the maintenance and upkeep of hybrid cars is even more. For example, to replace the battery of a typical gas powered vehicle, a car owner can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $250. However, hybrid vehicle owners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 for a battery replacement. In addition, the maintenance required on these vehicles is far more complex and can’t be accommodated at every car repair shop.
- Difference in Drive: Hybrid vehicles have a different type of drive as well. These types of vehicles have lower horsepower and take longer to accelerate. In addition, hybrid cars are significantly more heavy than gas powered vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are 20-30% heavier than gas powered cars. Due to this, it can take much longer to stop when driving this type of car. This is oftentimes a significant adjustment for many drivers.
Hybrids are highly efficient cars. However, when you prioritize efficiency over power, there are some important vehicle aspects that are lost. As a vehicle consumer, you will need to take a step back and appropriately determine if you are in the right mindset to learn a different way of navigating the roads and become a hybrid car owner.
Why Do People Avoid Hybrid Cars?
In addition to the above disadvantages of hybrid vehicles, there are several other reasons why an individual might avoid purchasing a hybrid car.
First off, for certain types of plug-in vehicles, the vehicle must be charged periodically in order for the car to fulfill its total potential. Plug-in hybrids can be charged in several different ways, including:
- With a wall unit
- At a residence overnight
- At a public charging station
While these charging stations are becoming more and more commonplace, there are still areas where it is difficult to come across them. In addition, having to plug-in your vehicle adds further complications to long road trips and driving in unfamiliar locations.
However, there is recent legislation that has passed that gives certain advantages to individuals who purchase hybrid cars. Furthermore, there are also certain tax credits that can serve as a unique benefit to hybrid vehicle owners.
What Are the Advantages of Hybrid Cars?
Purchasing a car is an important choice that takes careful time and research. While there are many important life and financial aspects that one needs to consider before purchasing a hybrid car, there are also many advantages to this type of vehicle.
Hybrid car owners have noted the following perks:
- Benefit to the Environment: The whole purpose of hybrid cars is that they leave less of a footprint and emit fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Their improved fuel efficiency and less fossil fuel use are just two of the many environmental benefits of hybrid vehicles.
- Less Money Spent on Gas: While the maintenance costs of hybrid vehicles are more, many owners state that they are able to pay for these elevated costs due to the large amounts of money they are saving on gas. Hybrid car owners save around 20-30% on gas, which is a savings amount that can compound significantly over time.
- Tax Credits and Rebates: The government offers various tax credits and tax breaks to individuals who purchase hybrid vehicles. For example, individuals who purchased clean vehicles in 2023 or after may be eligible for up to a $7,500 credit.
- Resale Value: Typically, hybrid cars hold their value much better than conventional cars which can be a huge selling point for many car shoppers. LoanMart may have data on the current value and liquefiable equity that your vehicle holds.
Between their fuel efficiency, government tax credits and rebates and sometimes even access to the carpool lane, there are many advantages to purchasing a hybrid vehicle.
Are Hybrid Cars Worth Buying?
The question of if a hybrid car is worth buying is a personal one, that depends greatly on your individual financial situation and personal preferences.
Particularly if you are passionate about helping the environment, you may want to explore a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid cars help to pump the breaks on the spread of global warming and contribute to the overall longevity of our planet.
In addition, hybrid vehicles are the cutting edge of new car technology. If you are an innovator who enjoys changing with the times and finds the new ways to navigate (literally) exciting, then you may want to seriously consider a hybrid vehicle.
However, these types of vehicles are not flawless. It is important to review your current financial situation, and ensure that you can afford both the cost and upkeep of this type of car.
Regardless of your choice, if you enter into this decision with careful consideration and research you will undoubtedly end up with a vehicle that best fits the needs of you and your daily lifestyle.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.