Since hybrid and electric vehicles first hit the US market in the early 2000s, trends have been changing among vehicle owners’ driving habits. With several factors motivating today’s drivers, from economic to environmental, the popularity of hybrid vehicles is going up.
For drivers contemplating making the investment, there are important things to know before going hybrid. To get you started, here are 4 things to know before making the switch:
Fuel Efficiency in the City vs Highway
A common misconception is that hybrid vehicles are only beneficial in the city. However, many hybrids are also efficient on the highway. With an electric motor for low-speed driving, hybrids can go a while without using any gasoline in the city.
Mild hybrids like those from Honda or GM can’t run solely on electricity. But with the assistance of an electric motor, drivers will still use far less gas getting around than in a standard combustion vehicle.
With the aerodynamic forms of many hybrids, it also means they can work at highway speeds for longer periods of time with the same fuel-efficiency. As national gas prices continually rise, this is especially attractive to potential hybrid buyers.
Battery Life
Many people believe that hybrid batteries are a huge expense if they need to be repaired or replaced. Hybrid batteries last much longer than the average vehicle owner may think. In fact, hybrid battery packs can last up to 10 years or 144,000 miles if they are well cared for and maintained, which is at least 4 years longer than a standard battery.
Environmental Benefits
One of the driving factors in vehicle owners turning to hybrids is eco-friendliness. Hybrid technologies help to lessen the negative impact on our environment through lowering harmful emissions. This is simply done because electricity is a cleaner energy source.Reducing fuel consumption helps reduce collective fuel dependency, which also means the cost of gasoline goes down.
Overall Costs
The upfront cost of purchasing a hybrid may be one of the biggest reasons potential buyers decide against the purchase. The higher sticker price should be seen as an investment due to decreased annual fuel costs and federal or state incentives.
Federal and state incentive programs offer tax breaks to hybrid or electric vehicle owners. Depending on how vehicle owners use their hybrid or EV, the cost of routine maintenance and minor repairs are in the same price range as conventional cars. Additionally, some car insurance providers believe hybrid drivers have a reduced likelihood of being involved in an accident, which allows them to pay lower car insurance costs.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering the purchase of a hybrid or electric vehicle, it’s important to consider the many factors at play before going hybrid. Having a trustworthy maintenance and repair shop that specializes in hybrid vehicles is another important piece.
For more information on choosing the best hybrid for you, be sure to follow our blog.
