There are two big topics that seem to be on everybody’s minds lately: climate change and how to save money in an increasingly expensive economy. For many, the answer is to invest in a hybrid car.
Hybrid vehicles use an internal combustion engine in addition to an electric engine. They can be powered via electricity and then use fuel when the car needs to be recharged. As with any large investment, there are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a hybrid car.
Advantages of Hybrid Vehicles
One of the biggest benefits of hybrid vehicles is that they’re more environmentally friendly than their fuel-charged counterparts. Conventional vehicles emit smoke and debris into the air via tailpipes, but a hybrid vehicle only does so when it needs to run on fuel.
Hybrid cars also have better fuel efficiency, since you won’t need to stop at the pumps as often. A new Dodge, commercial truck, Chrysler, Ram, or Jeep for sale may get about 27 city miles per gallon, and their hybrid versions can nearly double that.
Hybrid vehicles tend to have better warranties than traditional vehicles as well. Most new cars come with a warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some hybrid versions have 10-year or 150,000-mile warranties to further ensure they’ll last on the road.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Vehicles
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of hybrid vehicles is that they typically require you to pay more upfront. Although the gap in pricing is getting smaller, it is still quite significant for someone on a budget. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that you will save money in the long run via tax exemptions, fuel savings, and in many cases, fewer maintenance needs.
Although they require less maintenance, hybrid vehicles that do need repairs can be on the expensive side, especially if the problem is the car’s high-voltage system. It’s also sometimes a problem to find a mechanic that can work on these cars, especially if you don’t live in an area where they are common.
Finally, hybrid vehicles have less power than standard ICE vehicles. They have slower top-end acceleration due to their two propulsion methods and tend to sacrifice horsepower.
Making the Decision
When it comes to choosing whether to purchase a hybrid vehicle, you’ll need to consider a few things. First, can you handle the upfront costs? Second, will the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance be enough for you? Beyond that, how far will you have to go to purchase a hybrid, and where will you need to travel to when you need to get it serviced?
Consider the credits you’ll receive, discounts that may be available, and your expected driving needs over the next 10 years or so to help you make the right choice.
Are You Ready to Drive a Hybrid Car?
The bottom line is this: Hybrid vehicles are an excellent choice for the environment and for your long-term savings plans but may not be for everyone quite yet.
As technology continues to advance, these vehicles will become more affordable. Even if you aren’t ready for one yet, you may be in the near future.
