Why Would I Buy a Hybrid Car?
Find out why you would buy a hybrid car in this article.
As electric cars gradually begin entering the mainstream market over time, you may have found yourself talking about the possibility of owning one, but how much do you know about hybrid vehicles?
Hybrids combine the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric car, producing a vehicle with certain plus points. As a result, there are several reasons why you would buy a hybrid car in the future.
What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid car utilises a traditional petrol or diesel internal combustion engine, as well as an electric motor. Whilst diesel hybrids are available, petrol hybrids are far more common as they are less expensive and complex.
Hybrid cars can be powered by the motor and/or the engine, depending on whether the car is a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid - both of these types of hybrid cars have models which use series, parallel, or series-parallel drivetrains.
As you can imagine, these different types work better in different conditions. For instance, a series drivetrain will thrive in stop-and-go traffic conditions.
Different Types of Hybrid Car
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.
Why Should I Buy a Hybrid Car?
Here are some reasons why you should consider buying a hybrid car.
Environmentally Friendly
If you are looking for a quiet vehicle with greater fuel economy than a petrol or diesel car, which is overall more environmentally friendly, then a hybrid could be the ideal choice for you.
Efficient Inner-City Driving
Hybrid cars could be perfect for you if you do most of your driving in town, as you will be able to run on electric power mostly or entirely without the engine kicking in. This is also reassuring in the sense that your engine will likely experience less wear-and-tear as it is not needing to work as hard, meaning less costly repairs.
‘Regenerative braking’ likewise takes the strain off your brakes, and conveniently recharges the battery as you brake. This is a huge plus to buying a hybrid car.
No 'Range Anxiety'
The fact that your hybrid car has an engine can give you added peace of mind, as you will know that the engine can give you a boost when needed - so there is no need for the ‘range anxiety’ that often accompanies fully electric vehicles.
This can be especially useful when driving uphill or overtaking. If range anxiety is something that puts you off driving an EV, then a buying a hybrid car could be the answer for you.
Cheaper to Charge & Fuel Efficient
If you do intend to drive on the motorway often, then a mild hybrid may be a good option for you when it comes to fuel economy.
Meanwhile, a plug-in hybrid can be cheaper to fully charge than a petrol or diesel tank is to fill up.
Adaptable to All Conditions
Another aspect of hybrid vehicles which could appeal to you is the different power modes in many hybrid cars on the market today.
These modes allow you to adjust depending on the conditions you are currently driving in and give you an extra boost when needed.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Car
Same as if you’re considering buying an electric car, there are a few things to consider before you go ahead and purchase one.
If you are considering a plug-in hybrid, you have access to adequate charging facilities - should this be having a charger installed at home, or live closely to a public charger.
You will still have to pay the London Congestion Charge in a hybrid car, so if you drive through London on a regular basis, maybe consider an electric car instead.
Do I Have to Pay Tax for a Hybrid Car?
In earlier days, hybrid cars were entitled to discounts and exemptions from car tax, but things have changed in recent years.
Only hybrid models registered before 2017 are eligible for free road tax - if they produce less than 100g/km. Models registered after 2017 must pay the road tax.
Hybrids worth less than £40,000 must pay £145, and cars worth more, an additional £335 premium is added to your annual road tax for five years, staring from the second tax year.
Here's Why You Might Not Buy a Hybrid Car
Whilst a hybrid car can be an amazing investment, they aren’t the perfect choice for every driver. Some of the biggest downsides to hybrid cars include:
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Energy used and emissions produced during hybrid car production
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Maintenance can be expensive
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Batteries are costly to replace
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Less powerful than traditional ICE vehicles
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Plug-in hybrids not designed to complete longer journeys regularly
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Charging takes time and may require a dedicated charging point
Overall, a hybrid vehicle is a great choice for someone looking to create a greener future, without wanting to commit to a fully electric vehicle just yet.
Just bear in mind these downsides and take your own personal needs and driving style into account as you consider whether you should buy a hybrid car.
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