What You Need to Know About Hybrid Cars

Climate change is a hot issue these days. People are more troubled about their environmental footprint. To reduce their footprint, concerned individuals often eat less meat, reduce waste, walk or take public transit, and up-cycle old goods. Although, for people who cannot rely on public transit; cars are still a necessity. Hybrid and electric car models are a popular choice for their reduced environmental impact. In this article, Car Loans Canada will discuss the qualitative and quantitative benefits of hybrid cars.

‍Electric Cars Vs. Hybrid Cars‍

Electric vehicles operate entirely on electricity, as the name implies. It has an electric motor instead of a combustion engine, which would burn gas to operate. All the electricity comes from lithium-ion batteries. Public electric vehicle charging stations have been popping up, but the infrastructure is not as widespread as gas stations yet. It also takes some time to charge electric vehicles. High speed charges can take about 30 minutes and can get you an 80 percent charged battery. However, this would be a very efficient model and charging station. Owners typically plug in and charge their vehicle at home electric charging stations. Electric vehicles emit no emissions while driving because they don’t use gasoline. For this reason, they have a shorter range of travel. You would not want to go on a road trip with an electric car, unless you plan it well.

On the other hand, a hybrid vehicle has both an electric motor and a combustion engine. They use both systems to drive around, switching at different speeds or when required. Generally, hybrid cars use the electric motor for lower speed, stop and go, and city driving. Hybrid cars have reduced footprints while maintaining all the benefits of a combustion engine. They are great for road trips because you can use both electricity and gasoline. With a hybrid car, you are much less likely to be stranded somewhere because you ran out of juice.

‍Why Should I Consider Buying a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars have a ton of qualitative benefits, including:

• Lower Emissions ­– Having a supply of electricity, hybrid vehicles have significantly lower emissions because they are not burning gas all the time.
• Better Mileage – With a combustion engine, you can get further in one trip with a hybrid car than electric models. Your footprint is also reduced, especially for city driving.
• Great Overall Performance – Electric motors are quiet. You also have the power and speed of a combustion engine, when needed.
  

Is There a Cost Benefit to Driving Hybrid Cars?

Hybrid cars can be more expensive than gas only models, depending on what brand and model you buy. A hybrid car can have many other cost benefits, aside from initially being more expensive, including:

• Government Incentives – Plug-in technology hybrids qualify for federal tax credits. Some provinces offer incentives for hybrid cars as well. Depending on the model, you may get $2,500 to $5,000 in rebates. Check Transport Canada for eligible models.
• Electricity is Cheaper than Gas – If you charge your hybrid car overnight, you pay off-peak prices for the electricity in Ontario, and most other provinces, making the cost more efficient.
• Higher Resale – Hybrid cars are in high demand, so if you decide to sell your hybrid car, you can generally get more money than if you had a gas-only vehicle.

‍What Are the Downsides to a Hybrid Vehicle?

Hybrid vehicles are great options, but there are some downsides to consider. When you are considering the environment, there are some tradeoffs to reduce emissions. Designs of hybrid cars are improving but they still fall behind gas-only models in some areas.

• Poor Acceleration – Hybrid cars typically have smaller engines. These engines usually turn off at stops. Great for the environment, but they create poor acceleration.
• Higher Initial Cost – Hybrid cars can be expensive to purchase at first. They are typically more expensive than gas-only vehicles.
• Better for City Driving – Hybrid cars are designed for the city-dweller; someone who drives in congestion and occasionally gets on the highway for a more distant trip. For long range driving, gas-only vehicles tend to excel.
• Home Charging Station – Some models of hybrid can plug into household electricity. Special charging stations improve charge time. These stations can cost anywhere from $300 to $4,500, with an average cost of $1,200.
• Not Zero-Emissions – Hybrid vehicles have reduced emissions compared to gas-only models but not compared to electric vehicles.

‍Buying a Hybrid Car in Canada

Hybrid car usage is on the rise and designs are improving over time. Increasingly, they meet the needs of urban people while reducing their environmental footprint. If you are someone who lives in a city and does not take long rural drives often, a hybrid car may be the best vehicle for you.

If you are ready to buy a hybrid car, secure financing with Car Loans Canada by completing an application within a few minutes!