Hybrid car confusion is common. Essentially, hybrid cars take advantage of an internal combustion engine and electric drive working together to maximize efficiency. Hybrids are basically just gas-powered vehicles that have amazing miles per gallon.
Hybrids work well and can provide really good benefits but hybrids are not for everyone. To clear up the confusion, we will discuss some of the advantages as well as some disadvantages of hybrids so that you can determine for yourself whether or not hybrid ownership would be a good fit for you and your circumstances.
How Does a Hybrid Car Work?
A hybrid car has an electric motor that works with a combustion engine in some cases, and they will usually work together, or separately.
Because of the two energy sources, hybrid cars produce lower exhaust emissions, when compared to traditional petrol, or diesel engine powered cars. Hybrid cars are a compromise between electric vehicle and petrol or diesel vehicles, combining the best attributes of both, which means emissions are reduced and miles or mileage is increased.
Given how a hybrid car works, several key advantages and disadvantages need to be considered prior to a purchase or lease in Ontario.
Pros of Hybrid Vehicles
#1. Warranties.
Hybrid car manufacturers will typically provide an 8-year warranty that covers the entire hybrid system, in case anything goes wrong with it.
#2. Less Gas and Oil Needed.
While hybrid vehicles do not mean you will not need to use oil and gas anymore, there will be less gas and oil used, because the internal combustion engine will not be used as much. If everyone were able to drive hybrid cars, fossil fuels would be easier to conserve.
#3. Fuel Efficiency.
Because you are not using as much gasoline with your driving, this simply means you wouldn’t have to fill up the gas tank as often. Because of less usage, there is a gas savings, especially if you are driving mostly around town or city when the traffic is slow.
#4. Tax Credits.
For individuals who purchase and utilize either an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, you will be able to claim a $7,500 federal tax credit on your income tax. This doesn’t apply to some plug-in hybrids with some manufacturers, so make sure you check if yours is allowed.
#5. Eco-Friendlier.
It would be nice to say these vehicles are 100% eco-friendly, but they are not, because they still consume some (even if it is less) gas.
Nevertheless, these vehicles are better for the environment than standard gasoline-powered vehicles, since their carbon emissions are lower. This is one step closer in the right direction to fighting global warming.
#6. Good Resale Value.
Hybrid vehicles usually have a better resale value than gasoline/diesel cars, because they indicate how much gas mileage they can achieve.
Even though hybrid vehicles will depreciate on the market similar to gasoline/diesel cars, the resale value will usually be higher as long as they haven’t required excessive maintenance, as well hashing better gas mileage.
Cons of Hybrid Vehicles
#1. Slower Driving.
If you are someone who is used to driving fast, you will not be able to do that with a hybrid car. You will be able to drive the car fast, but you will be using more of your gasoline power if you do.
That defeats the purpose of getting a hybrid in the first place, as hybrid cars are supposed to use more electrical power than gasoline power. So, you will be encouraged to drive slower to use the electric motor power as much as possible.
#2. More Expensive.
Hybrid cars are at least several thousand dollars more than conventional economy cars. If you want the cheapest hybrid vehicle on the market, you can expect to pay at least $23,000!
That might not seem that much, however, it is about $10,000 more than what the cheapest economy car would sell for.
#3. Cost vs. Gas Savings.
You will certainly be saving on gas with your hybrid vehicle because you will be using less of it, however, the overall savings on gas will not even make a dent on the amount of money you have spent on the vehicle as a whole!
So, you might not actually realize the savings compared to your monthly insurance and premium being higher past what you would have paid for a conventional vehicle!
#4. Expensive Battery Replacement.
Many hybrid cars and electric vehicles run on a battery that uses specific rare-earth materials that can only be mined out of limited areas of the world. Because of their rarity the batteries of hybrid cars will be expensive when if comes to replacing them!
#5. Higher Insurance.
Hybrid cars generally are charged a higher monthly insurance cost because the technology they use inside them is just more expensive to repair or replace than petrol/ diesel cars.
Some insurance companies offer discounted rates to insure hybrid vehicles as an incentive since hybrid vehicles are better for the environment than conventional petrol and diesel cars.
#6. More Repairs.
If there is an issue with the overall functionality of your vehicle, there are just going to be more areas of the car for your auto mechanic to check and see what it is that is causing the issue.
When a hybrid vehicle malfunctions, the issue may be with the electric motor or the gasoline engine, so you may be spending that much more money getting issues repaired on these components.