What is a Hybrid Car?

In the past ten years, over 2.5 million hybrid vehicles have been sold. But what is a hybrid, and what are its benefits?

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle can run using a combustion engine, an electric motor, and a hybrid battery. They are designed so that they can shift between using fuel or using electricity, or a mix from both power sources.

Depending on how much charge the battery has, a hybrid vehicle will primarily use its electric engine. When the car stops, such as at a traffic light, the engine will shut down completely. It utilises the combustion engine whilst accelerating, driving up hills or when extra power may be needed.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

There are three types of hybrid cars: a mild hybrid, a full hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid.

Mild Hybrid

These cars are powered by the engine and assisted by the electric battery, such as when accelerating. A mild hybrid charges itself with kinetic energy generated under braking, but otherwise normally wasted.

Full Hybrid

A full hybrid runs on electricity for short distances. The electric motor sources its energy from the battery or the combustion engine, lowering exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.

Like the mild hybrid, it charges itself whilst it is driving.

Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid can charge itself in the same way the other two hybrids do but can also be plugged into an external power supply.

They have larger batteries meaning they can run on electricity for longer.

What are the Benefits of a Hybrid Car?

Eco Friendly

Since a hybrid car uses less fuel, it is much more environmentally friendly. They don’t give off as many nasty emissions as a petrol or diesel-run car and conserve energy so go further on the fuel you do use.

Affordable

To drive sales and encourage environmentally friendly choices, hybrid cars are often supported by credits and incentives that make them cheaper. You pay less tax on them and usually are entitled to discounts or exemptions from congestion charges - not to mention how much less you spend on fuel.

Energy Saving

Hybrid cars are great at saving energy. This is thanks to a combination of reasons including lighter building materials, smaller engines, and automatic start and stop functions. This allows you to go further for less and reduce your carbon footprint.

Higher Resale Value

Since the price of petrol seems to be ever rising, more people are turning to hybrid cars for their next car purchase. This means that hybrids have begun to demand higher than average resale values - meaning when you decide it’s time for an upgrade, you could turn a profit.

What are the Cons of a Hybrid Car?

There are several cons to buying a hybrid car, in comparison to a fully electric vehicle. You still must fill the car with fuel, so they're often more expensive to run than EVs.

Some hybrid cars will have to still pay the charges associated with Clean Air Zones, as well as road tax, which electric cars are fully exempt from. The batteries are heavy, which can reduce your fuel economy at high speeds.

If you'd like to read more about the disadvantages of a hybrid car, you can do so here.

Regardless, a hybrid car may be perfect for you depending on your situation and is a good stopgap between switching from an ICE vehicle to a fully electric car.

What Should I Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Car?

Like all cars, you should think about your personal situation before buying a hybrid model. A hybrid model may suit you best if you tend to do most of your mileage in and around the city, as you'll gain the most benefits from the electric-only power.

However, if a long stretch of motorway is part of your daily commute, it may make more sense to invest in an electric car, as the high speeds are likely to be beyond what a hybrid can sustain in its pure electric mode - plus the extra weight from the battery will reduce your fuel efficiency.

You'll also have to consider charging capabilities if you choose a plug-in model. If automatic is your style, driving a hybrid is very similar to driving a conventional automatic car.

Hybrid Car FAQs

Read More

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If you aren’t certain whether a hybrid car is right for you, this article can help. Breaking down the positives and negatives of owning a hybrid car, this article is a must read before you make a decision.

Is a Hybrid Car More Affordable Than an Electric Car?

There are various costs that come with owning a hybrid or an electric car. This article compares the costs for both, so that you can pick a vehicle that best suits your needs - and budget.

How Much is a Hybrid Car?

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