Benefits of Hybrid Cars: 10 Advantages of Going Hybrid
Hybrid cars have become an increasingly popular choice for drivers in the UK. Whether for the benefit of being more environmentally friendly, or for reduced fuel costs hybrid vehicles have become a staple for a greener future.
The shift towards hybrid and cleaner energy has been escalated by the Government’s 2020 announcement, reporting that the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned from 2030.
To help you better understand what a hybrid car is, the benefits of hybrid cars, and the different variations, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the benefits of hybrid cars.
What is the Difference Between Hybrid and Electric Cars?
First of all, if you’re considering purchasing or leasing a hybrid car, it's important to understand the difference between a hybrid car and an electric car. While they do share some similarities, there are distinct characteristics that differentiate the two.
The main difference between a hybrid car and its electric counterpart is that electric cars solely rely on electricity, while hybrid vehicles do not. A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine (using petrol or diesel), with help from an electric motor to power the car.
Meaning that electric cars are emission free, while hybrid cars still emit some emissions as a result of their traditional fuel engine.
The other notable difference between electric and hybrid cars is that while most electric variants require charging through plugging in, most hybrid cars do not. Hybrid cars utilise a technique called ‘regenerative braking’ which enables the energy produced by braking to be converted into electricity.
It doesn’t stop there. There are three types of hybrid vehicles you should acquaint yourself with if you're looking to get behind the wheel; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs), and full hybrid electric vehicles (FHEVs).
What are the Different Types of Hybrid Vehicles?
While each contains an internal combustion engine and electric motor, there are notable deviations between the different types of hybrid vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
As the name suggests, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a hybrid car that has to be plugged in to be charged - through either household sockets or at one of the many free charging stations across the UK.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can be powered by just the electric motor alone at times.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV)
Mild hybrid electric vehicles however are somewhere in the middle of PHEVs and FHEVs. They cannot be powered only by the internal combustion engine, or the electric motor, they work in harmony to power the vehicle.
This form of hybrid car also does not need to be charged, and like full hybrid electric vehicles is charged by regenerative braking.
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEV)
Full hybrid electric vehicles are at the other end of the spectrum, and can be powered by the combustion engine alone, the electric motor alone, or both in tandem.
These types of hybrid cars use the electric motor at low speeds, and the fuel engine at high speeds, and when the electric charge is low. Similar to the MHEVs, FHEVs do not need to be charged and will charge automatically using regenerative braking.
The Benefits of Hybrid Cars
Some of the advantages of hybrid cars are fairly obvious, for example, the benefit for the environment. However, the advantages of hybrid cars are seamlessly endless, with benefits to both yourself and the planet.
Here are 10 benefits of driving hybrid cars that you may not have considered.
You’ll Save Money on Fuel
Most likely one of the benefits you have already considered, saving money on fuel. It goes without saying that adding an electric motor into the mix will reduce the amount of fuel your engine requires to run.
In fact, the savings should be clearly noticeable. According to a Which? Independent test, hybrid cars will give you more range in return for your fuel. Hybrid cars on average will provide 53.2 miles per gallon, while petrol cars will generate 41.9mpg and diesel 46.8mpg.
2) Better for the Environment
Hybrid cars are also much better for the environment. By burning less fuel, they create less emissions helping the fight against global warming. As hybrid cars can use the electric motor at lower speeds opposed to the conventional engine, this can help to reduce your fuel consumption during traffic jams.
Not to mention, by simply driving a hybrid car alone you are promoting cleaner alternatives - helping to raise awareness of climate change.
3) No Range Anxiety
One of the main reasons why people are reluctant to invest in electric cars is something called ‘range anxiety’. Which just means being worried about how far you can travel using electricity alone without running out of power.
Fortunately, this isn’t an issue in hybrid cars. The benefit of adopting a hybrid approach is that the majority of engines will automatically recharge the electric charge by simply driving. Not to mention, the presence of the conventional engine - which appiese most of the apprehension around electric vehicles.
4) Tax Incentives
You may be unaware that car tax is cheaper for hybrid vehicles. In fact, as they are classed as ‘alternative fuel cars’, the tax rates are less than that of petrol and diesel cars (£10 less!).
Company car drivers also benefit as they will pay less benefit in kind (BIK) for hybrid cars.
5) High Resale Value
Hybrid cars due to the recent tax incentives and the environmental benefits are only rising in popularity. Meaning, hybrid cars are in demand, and cars that are in demand retain their value better than those that aren’t.
Also, car leasing takes into account what the car would be worth at the end of the contract. Therefore, the cost of ownership is lower as the finance companies don’t need to compensate for hybrid cars depreciating in value.
6) Simpler Maintenance
The main gripe with conventional petrol and diesel cars is often their maintenance costs. However, the benefit of hybrid cars is that some of the pressure is relieved by the electric motor.
As the engine isn’t working as hard, the parts are less likely to brake and will take longer to show signs of wear and tear. Not to mention, that the brakes will last longer, because the regenerative braking helps slow the car down - taking the heat off the brakes.
7) No Charging Needed (for Full Hybrids)
A conventional hybrid (not a plug-in hybrid) does not need charging as the battery is recharged using regenerative braking.
This means that you don’t have to worry about range anxiety and won’t need to stop as frequently on long trips.
8) Latest Technology
The majority of hybrid cars benefit from the addition of a lithium ion battery - storing more power and weighing less.
Models such as the Honda CR-V hybrid work on what is called the Atkinson cycle, which improves the efficiency of which hybrid cars drive.
Not to mention since hybrid cars are a recent innovation, they have the advantage of being packed with the latest tech. Reap the benefits of hybrid cars with features such as electric power steering, lane departure assist, parking sensors, intelligent touch screen displays and so much more.
9) Utilise Both (Fuel and Electric)
Hybrid cars benefit from utilising both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Meaning, your driving experience is the best of both worlds…
A quiet drive with zero emissions with electric, and a longer range and more power with petrol or diesel. In addition to the benefit of regenerative braking meaning you’re recharging your electric capacity just by simply driving.
10) A Smoother and Quieter Drive
While we slightly touched on this in the last benefit of hybrid cars, this point requires its own standalone moment. We’ve all been frustrated with a car that is too loud or not smooth enough on the road, well no more.
At lower speeds such as when driving through the city, engine noises are all but nearly eliminated altogether.
Other Notable Advantages of Driving a Hybrid Car
The benefits of hybrid cars discussed so far is by no means the exhaustive list. There are many more advantages of driving a hybrid vehicle, such as:
- Less stops on your journeys - the majority of hybrid vehicles utilise regenerative braking helping you to charge while you drive, meaning less stopping.
- Reducing the price of fuel - while hybrid vehicles do still emit emissions, they require less fuel than a standard petrol or diesel car, therefore helping to reduce the cost of fuel for the mass.
- Save even more - most hybrid vehicles are constructed using modern, lightweight materials meaning even less fuel should be consumed.
Popular Hybrid Car Leases
In a thriving market such as in hybrid vehicles, the options available to you are vast. But luckily for you we have compiled some of the most popular hybrid car leases so you don’t have to.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series very own plug-in hybrid option comes in the form of the 330e. An elegant saloon that boasts all the usual benefits of a hybrid car and then some.
Take advantage of speedy charging (0-80% in under two and half hours) all with the usual handling of a standard BMW. Not to mention a sleek design, an intuitive infotainment system and a decent kit included.
Skoda Superb iV
The Skoda Superb is probably one of Skoda’s most signature saloon lines - the iV addition stays true to this while introducing plug-in hybrid technology.
The Superb iV boasts many benefits, far beyond its economical set up including its abundance of both passenger and boot space, alongside an elevated interior, clever technology and is all round a good drive.
Toyota Corolla
If you’re looking for an entry vehicle to the world of hybrid, the Toyota Corolla is the perfect choice. Low running costs, comfortable interior, a long warranty and so much more packed inside a beautifully compact family car.
While some hybrid vehicles will need charging overnight, the Corolla is ready from the word go. Simply drive and this tidy hybrid will do the rest of the work, utilising regenerative braking alongside a small electric motor to comfortably improve your fuel economy.
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat GTE is an exceptional hybrid regardless of whether you invest in the saloon or the estate. The main benefit of the GTE is its electric range (a whopping 34 miles) meaning you can go about your daily commutes with little worry.
Even without the tax incentives of a fully electric car, running the Passat GTE is still massively cheaper than running a standard petrol or diesel car.
Volvo XC90
If you’re on the lookout for a vehicle that will keep running costs low and support your family - look no further than the Volvo XC90 (T8). The main benefit of the T8 is its family focus, with masses of space and practicality.
The T8 also boasts a surprisingly fast engine able to do 0-60mph in under six seconds, all in a stylish SUV package.
Want to Experience the Benefits of a Hybrid Electric Car for Yourself?
If you’re looking to experience the benefits of driving a hybrid electric vehicle first hand, look no further than Pendle. We provide a whole range of affordable and practical hybrid cars available to lease.
For more information on the benefits of a hybrid electric vehicle, fill out our enquiry form or contact us on 01277 549500.
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