Hybrid cars are vehicles that use multiple types of power to run, usually electric and gasoline. Whereas some vehicles are exclusively powered by gasoline or electricity, hybrids combine the two power sources. Some of the best hybrid cars include models like Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid and Saturn Vue.
Some benefits of these vehicles include cleaner energy and reduced fuel costs. However, not all drivers may like owning a hybrid, especially if they like to drive fast. Likewise, the cost to own one of these vehicles may influence a consumer’s ability to purchase and own a hybrid.
Why You Should Consider Hybrid Cars
Many consumers buy electric hybrid cars because of their numerous benefits. The top benefits of hybrid cars include the following:
- Cleaner energy – Hybrids emit less environmental toxins than gasoline-powered only vehicles, although more than electric-only cars.
- Reduced fuel costs – Increasing gasoline rates can cut heavily into the budgets of drivers with long commutes, and hybrid vehicles can decrease these expenses. New hybrid cars are also made with lightweight materials including a smaller and lighter engine, which requires less energy to propel.
- Higher resale value – Due to the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, the best hybrids cars retain their value longer than gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Government incentives – Although the federal tax breaks for conventional hybrid purchases ended in 2010, there are still one-time tax credits for qualifying plug in hybrid cars as well as incentives from state and local governments. Case in point, New York has a rebate of up to $2,000 while Colorado has a $5,000-tax credit for purchases and $2,500 for leases.
- In addition to lower fuel costs and government tax incentives, hybrid owners may be eligible for discounts on their auto insurance premiums. However, these reductions are subject to the provider.
- Why Even the Best Hybrid Cars May Not Be for You
- Some drivers want features that even luxury hybrid cars cannot offer. Some shortcomings of hybrid cars include the following:
- Price – Consumers on a budget may not be able to afford a new or even used hybrid vehicle. For instance, a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Prius Prime and Nissan Rogue Hybrid are all about $27,000. Even some of the cheapest plug in hybrid cars start at $20,000. In particular, a 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid is valued at more than $25,000 while a gas-powered 2020 Honda Civic is cheaper by $5,000.
- Performance – While hybrids are great economy vehicles, they are typically not designed for speed and other performance aspects. For example, a 2020 Honda Civic has significantly more horsepower and torque than a Prius or a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
- Maintenance – Since hybrid cars have a dual power source, they can be more costly for mechanics to repair when necessary. Mechanics must have the right equipment to make repairs as well as the knowhow.
