There are many reasons why drivers may be opting for a hybrid or electric vehicle this year. With the Petrol-Diesel Ban 2030 on the horizon, could 2022 be the year you switch to an eco-friendlier friendlier model? There are now hundreds of thousands of hybrid cars available in the UK and with more choice than ever the numbers seem to be increasing each year. There may be a few factors you want to consider before you commit to buying a hybrid car this year.
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car combines two means of propulsion to power a vehicle. Usually, a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor are combined to power the vehicle. Electric motors use energy that is stored in the battery but can be recharged in a number of ways. Most vehicles use the most fuel during acceleration so having a dual power source can help to increase fuel efficiency. A plug-in hybrid does what it says on the tin – you can recharge the electric motor by plugging your vehicle into your power source at home or at an EV charging point. Mild hybrids charge their electric motors through regenerative braking instead.
Benefits of owning a hybrid car:
The environmental benefits of owning a hybrid car are one of the biggest reasons drivers choose to make the switch. However, reduced running costs and increased fuel efficiency also pay a big part in it.
Environmentally friendly
One of the main reasons drivers invest in hybrids cars is the impact they have on the environment. Hybrid cars don’t emit as many harmful pollutants into the environment when compared to their petrol and diesel competitors. These pollutants increase the rate of climate change across the world and can be harmful to human health.
Better fuel economy
Hybrid cars can use around 30% less fuel than their diesel rivals, this helps to reduce the number of trips to the fuel station and save you money. Many PHEVs can travel for around 30 miles on a single electric charge, meaning if you travel this far every day, you could benefit from an all-electric vehicle!
More buying options
Electric cars and hybrids have become more popular in recent years. Due to this, there have been more buying options become available. The UK government offers an EV grant where you can get money off the cost of a new electric or hybrid vehicle. You can also explore new and used electric cars on finance. However, finance isn’t always guaranteed, and you may bet better using a car finance checker to first before you start applying.
Lower maintenance costs
Not only do hybrids cost less to fuel and run but they can also be cheaper to maintain. Electric motors use less complicated technology and involve fewer moving parts, this can make them less likely to need repairing as often.
Are hybrid cars expensive to buy?
When hybrid cars first hit the market, many people could not afford to own one. However, there are many hybrid car finance deals available nowadays. If you’re looking to be more eco-friendly with your vehicle, hybrid cars are usually cheaper to buy than a full EV too. However, hybrid cars hold their value better than petrol or diesel cars so you could benefit more when it comes to selling it on.
Is it better to go fully electric?
If you’re debating between an electric or hybrid car, it can be confusing to know which is better for you. If you want to make a better impact on the environment, then it’s a no-brainer that a fully electric car would be better for you. Fully electric cars do tend to be more expensive so your choice could be budget dependant. Drivers of fully electric vehicles can also suffer from range anxiety; this is the fear that their vehicle won’t make it to the next charging station before they have completed their journey. Hybrid vehicle doesn’t have an electric range that competes with full EV’s, but they are backed up by a more traditional means of propulsion.
