Are you considering purchasing a hybrid car? Let’s face it, electric (or semi-electric) vehicles are the way of the future, and it won’t be long until they have taken over the market. So what are the benefits of a hybrid car, and what should you know before you purchase one?
What is a hybrid car?
Hybrid cars are one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment. A hybrid car is a vehicle that combines petroleum and alternative fuels to produce power. They have an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, rather than running on just one or the other. This means that they can run on electricity, petrol or diesel depending on what is appropriate for your driving needs.
Hybrid cars run on a much more efficient system than standard vehicles, which reduces emissions significantly.
The different types of hybrid cars
The term ‘hybrid’ covers a variety of cars that fall into three main categories: full hybrids, mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Full hybrid cars can be powered by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They can run on electricity alone for short distances, and turn to the petrol engine when there isn’t a large source of electricity or if you need a more powerful engine. In some full hybrids, you can manually choose which power source to use by pressing a button.
Mild hybrid cars can run on just one of the two power sources. They use electric motors rather than internal combustion engines, but they can’t operate solely on electricity. The electric motor assists the internal combustion engine, saving fuel and reducing emissions. A mild hybrid can’t use solely electric power without running out of battery power, which means you will need to buy petrol or diesel when you drive it more than short distances.
Plug-in hybrids are similar to full hybrids, except that they can travel further on electricity alone. They store power in a battery that can be charged at home or at an electrical outlet when plugged in. These cars operate much like ordinary electric cars but with the added range of a petrol engine. You can take your plug-in hybrid car on longer journeys without the need for petrol or diesel. Understanding the different kinds of hybrid cars is crucial to making sure you choose a model that meets your needs and suits your driving style.
What are the benefits of hybrid cars?
Hybrid cars are the future of driving. They reduce the cost of running a vehicle, as they can work on electricity and petrol or diesel far more efficiently than their predecessors. They also have excellent environmental credentials, making them incredibly popular in countries like Australia where climate change awareness is high. The main benefits of hybrid cars include:
They are efficient – Hybrid cars combine electric and gasoline or diesel power sources into one engine, meaning you can run on a much more efficient system than traditional fuel sources.
They are economical – Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient than normal vehicles, which makes them much cheaper to run for the average driver.
They are environmentally friendly – As internal combustion engines produce a lot of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, hybrid cars are especially efficient.
They are safe – Hybrids can only use petrol or diesel power sources when needed, which keeps your car safer during dangerous manoeuvres. A traditional car will have a battery that can be damaged by an accident or mechanical failure.
They are versatile – Hybrids can be used for short distances or longer journeys. This means that you can choose the type of fuel needed in a given situation, rather than having to buy extra petrol when you need it.
Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly common in Australia. As highlighted above, the benefits of a hybrid car are many and they have a lot going for them. Because of this, we believe that more Australians should try one out to experience the benefits for themselves.
