Hybrids and plug-ins are all the rage, but many consumers don’t know much about them or how they work.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are becoming more popular, so it’s important to know what you’re buying before you go shopping.
This buyer’s guide will teach you everything from learning how hybrids work to choosing the right type of hybrid car for your needs.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Hybrid cars can provide a more sustainable and cost-effective option for car owners. |
| Understanding the features and benefits of hybrid cars can help you make an informed purchase decision. |
| Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient and emit fewer emissions than traditional gasoline cars. |
| Hybrid cars may cost more upfront than comparable gasoline-engine cars, but they may be less expensive to own over the long term. |
| There are numerous resources available, including guides and FAQs, to help you learn more about hybrid cars and make an educated purchase decision. |
You’ll discover everything from fuel economy ratings to insurance costs and resale values!
1. Plug-ins vs. Hybrids: What’s Better for the Environment?
As you may have guessed, plug-in hybrids are the more environmentally friendly option. They have a larger battery capacity and can travel longer distances on electricity alone, which means less gas is used when driving.
The downside to this is that the car needs to be plugged in for charging at home or at a charging station if you don’t want to be left without power when you’re out and about.
Another thing that sets plug-ins apart from regular hybrids is that they can use regenerative braking (which captures kinetic energy from braking) while regular hybrids do not have this feature.
This allows drivers of plug-in cars to get more miles per gallon than those operating traditional gas/electric varieties and it also helps extend their range by keeping them charged up!
Plug-in hybrid vehicles remain rarer than their traditional counterparts because of their relatively high price tag; however if your priority is reducing your carbon footprint or making an ecofriendly statement then this type might be worth considering!
If you’re considering purchasing a hybrid car, it’s important to understand its features and advantages. Our Ultimate Guide To Hybrid Cars covers all the aspects you need to know, including the difference between hybrid and electric cars and which hybrid cars are the most fuel-efficient.
2. Battery Life Span
The number one thing to consider when buying a hybrid car is battery life. This is especially important if you live in an area where electricity costs more than gas, as you’ll want to be able to save money on fuel by using the battery instead of the engine.
The battery’s lifespan depends on a lot of factors, but some key ones include:
- Your driving habits (how hard you accelerate, how often you break quickly)
- The weather (temperatures below freezing and high heat will shorten your battery’s life span)
- The age of your car (batteries don’t last forever)
- How often and how long it takes for your vehicle to charge
Battery Life Span for Electric Cars from Top Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Model | Battery Life Span (Years) | Battery Capacity Retention (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla | Model S | 8 | 80% |
| Chevrolet | Bolt EV | 8 | 90% |
| Nissan | Leaf | 8 | 66% |
| Hyundai | Kona Electric | 10 | 70% |
| BMW | i3 | 8 | 70% |
The battery life span and capacity retention of electric cars can vary depending on the make and model. The above table shows the battery life span and battery capacity retention for electric cars from top manufacturers.
The battery life span ranges from 8 to 10 years, with the Hyundai Kona Electric offering the longest battery life Span. The battery capacity retention ranges from 66% to 90%, with the Chevrolet Bolt EV offering the highest battery capacity retention.
It’s important to keep in mind that battery life span and capacity retention can depend on various factors such as usage patterns, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices, among others. If you’re considering purchasing an electric car, it’s important to research the specific make and model and consider factors such as battery life and capacity retention to make an informed purchase decision.
3. Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, hybrids are more efficient than regular cars. That’s because they use both gas and electric power to get you where you need to go.
This means they can go farther on less fuel than traditional vehicles, which work off only one power source (gasoline or diesel).
However, not all hybrid cars are created equal! Plug-in hybrids have an even higher fuel economy than standard hybrids because they have an additional battery that can be charged through a wall outlet or by plugging into a car charger for extended range between charges.
The added benefit here is that these types of vehicles can also be driven in pure electric mode if needed which can help save money on gas while driving around town and getting stuck in traffic jams!
Hybrid cars are commonly seen on the road today and they do indeed offer numerous benefits. But are these suitable for your type of usage? Get the lowdown on the Pros And Cons Of Hybrid Cars to know the advantages and limitations of hybrid cars and gain solid insight when you’re looking to make a long-term investment.
4. Warranty Coverage
Warranty coverage. The warranty is a guarantee that the manufacturer will repair or replace any part of your car that’s defective in material or workmanship for the duration of the warranty period.
It’s important to understand what kind of coverage you have when buying a hybrid vehicle, because different automakers offer different types of warranties and may not include all repairs under their standard warranties.
Manufacturer warranty versus dealer warranty: Many manufacturers offer a powertrain limited warranty with their hybrids that covers more than just defects in materials or workmanship.
This can include things like electrical malfunctions, seals, gaskets and hoses and it’s often good for longer than three years/36,000 miles (whichever comes first).
However, some manufacturers limit this coverage to only those vehicles sold by dealerships; therefore if you buy from an independent seller (like eBay), this could void any remaining portion of your manufacturer’s powertrain limited warranty.
So before buying anything used online make sure that it comes with some form of protection plan–or better yet give yourself some wiggle room in case something does go wrong!
5. Cost of Ownership
The average cost of gas-powered cars is around $1,000 per year. However, hybrid vehicles are significantly more expensive to own than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts.
Depreciation: A major difference between electric and gas cars lies in their resale value. While the price of electric cars goes up over time, there is a cap on how much they’ll depreciate each year—and that means you can expect to pay more for a used model than your initial purchase price would indicate.
Electricity Costs: The cost of charging an electric vehicle will depend on where you live and what type of car you have (the Tesla Roadster runs on electricity and costs about $4 per mile).
Gasoline costs less per mile than electricity does and doesn’t require any extra equipment setup or maintenance work like charging stations do—which means lower overall operating costs associated with owning a hybrid car when compared side by side with its standard counterpart!
Comparison of Ownership Costs for Gasoline and Hybrid Electric Cars
| Cost Item | Gasoline Car | Toyota Prius Prime | Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $25,000 | $28,000 | $34,000 |
| Fuel Cost (5 years) | $6,250 | $2,750 | $2,250 |
| Maintenance Cost (5 years) | $4,000 | $2,000 | $1,750 |
| Total Ownership Cost (5 years) | $45,250 | $34,750 | $37,000 |
The cost of ownership for hybrid electric cars can be lower compared to gasoline cars. The above table compares the cost of ownership for a gasoline car with the Toyota Prius Prime and Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
The MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for these cars is $25,000 for the gasoline car, $28,000 for the Prius Prime, and $34,000 for the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
Over 5 years, the fuel cost for the gasoline car is $6,250, while the fuel cost for the Prius Prime and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is $2,750 and $2,250, respectively. The maintenance cost for the gasoline car is $4,000, while the maintenance cost for the Prius Prime and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is $2,000 and $1,750, respectively.
The total ownership cost for the gasoline car over 5 years is $45,250, while the total ownership cost for the Prius Prime and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is $34,750 and $37,000, respectively.
It’s important to note that different models have varying costs, and actual ownership cost may vary depending on factors such as fuel prices, maintenance requirements, and driving patterns.
6. Insurance Rates
Insurance rates are a major consideration when buying a car. The type of car you drive will affect the cost of your policy, and some vehicles have higher insurance premiums than others.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars have higher insurance premiums than most other types of vehicles because they’re more expensive to repair, have less crash protection (due to their lighter weight), and use fuel that costs more than regular gasoline does.
It’s important to check with your insurer before purchasing any type of hybrid or electric vehicle (EV). They may require additional coverage that could significantly increase the cost of your policy—but it’s worth it if it means getting behind the wheel.
Are you baffled with regards to deciding between gas and hybrid vehicles? It’s important to understand the differences and how it can affect your driving experience. Our article on Hybrid Cars Vs Gasoline Cars covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision, including the differences in fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and carbon footprint.
7. Choose the Right Type of Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid for Your Needs
Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid: The main difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrids is how much electricity they can store on board.
A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery pack, which allows it to be recharged at all times (either from the grid or using regenerative braking). However, many plug-ins are still limited by the amount of gasoline they can store onboard.
Hybrid vs. Electric: To confuse things further, some manufacturers now offer hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that fall somewhere between traditional hybrids and EVs.
An HEV can run either on gas or electricity alone; when a sudden acceleration or heavy load is placed on the engine (from traffic congestion), it switches towards its internal combustion engine rather than relying solely on its electric motor for power.[5]
8. Less Fun, but You Can Still Have Fun Racing Them!
There’s one thing you can’t do with a hybrid car: race. You see, hybrids are slower than regular cars and don’t accelerate quite as fast. If you’re looking to drag race or go full throttle on an empty highway, then hybrids aren’t for you.
However! You can still have fun while driving your hybrid car—just know what it was designed for and make sure that’s what you use it for!
9. Charging Times Are Longer Than Gas Station Stops
You might have noticed this one coming. If you’re going to be using your hybrid as a daily driver, you’ll have to accept that charging times are longer than the pit-stops needed for gas stations.
The exact length of time it takes depends on the car you buy and how much power it needs to recharge.
However, in general, charging outlets aren’t as widespread as gas stations—and those that do exist are more expensive (about $10 per hour).
Did you know that by owning a hybrid vehicle, you could save a lot more on gas than by using a gasoline car? Our featured list of The Top 15 Hybrid Cars includes models that offer both high fuel efficiency and great value for money. If you’re looking for a greener and more cost-effective alternative, then this is what you need.
10. Always Keep an Eye on the Battery Gauge (Your Car Could Shut Down)
The battery gauge is located in the center console and should be between 1/4 and 3/4 full. If it’s below 1/4, you’ll want to charge your car. If it’s below 1/2, you’ll definitely have trouble starting your car.
Battery Life of Hybrid Electric Cars from Top Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Model | Battery Life (Miles) | Warranty (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Prius Prime | 25 | 10 |
| Honda | Clarity Plug-In Hybrid | 47 | 8 |
| Hyundai | Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid | 29 | 10 |
| Chevrolet | Volt | 53 | 8 |
| Ford | Escape Hybrid | 30 | 8 |
Keeping an eye on the battery life of a hybrid electric car is essential to prevent it from shutting down in the middle of a journey. The above table shows the battery life and warranty information for hybrid electric cars from top manufacturers.
The battery life for these cars ranges from 25-53 miles, with the Chevy Volt offering the longest battery life. The warranty period for hybrid electric car batteries typically ranges from 8-10 years, with Hyundai offering the longest warranty period for Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid.
It’s important to note that battery life can depend on various factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and battery age, among others. Maintaining the battery and keeping an eye on the battery gauge can help ensure that you get the most out of your hybrid electric car.
11. Be Prepared to Answer Questions All Day Long!
You probably won’t need to worry about this, but there is a possibility that you’ll be approached by people who want to know more about your hybrid car.
It’s not uncommon for people to ask questions about how it works or even offer unsolicited opinions on how it should work.
To avoid being pestered unnecessarily, we recommend wearing sunglasses and avoiding eye contact when driving.
If you do end up giving someone a ride in your hybrid vehicle, it’s important to remember that they will likely have several questions for you. In order to avoid being bombarded with inquiries, we recommend planning ahead by having answers ready in advance (i.e., “My hybrid car uses electricity generated by both gasoline and solar panels”).
If possible, bring along an informational guide or brochure from the manufacturer so that passengers can read on their own time.
Finally, remember that passengers may also ask for help with problems unrelated yet again! So if someone asks “Where does all this electricity come from?” don’t panic—just tell them what they need: “It’s all stored right here!”
With the increasing need for sustainability, hybrid vehicles are expected to dominate the automobile industry in the near future. Do you know why? We have rounded up 15 compelling reasons on Why Hybrid Cars Are The Future Of Transportation and why owning one right now is beneficial in many ways, from reducing environmental impact to increasing fuel economy and saving big on costs.
12. Resale Values are Low and Depreciation is High (Electric Cars Just Don’t Hold Value Like Gas Cars Do)
The final major drawback of hybrids is that they don’t hold their value as well as gas cars. In general, electric cars depreciate much more quickly than gas cars. It’s not uncommon to see new hybrid vehicles lose 40% or more of their value within a few years.
Comparison of Resale Values and Depreciation for Gas and Electric Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Average Resale Value (%) | Average Depreciation per Year (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline Car | 44% | 12-15% |
| Electric Car | 22% | 20-25% |
Electric cars typically have lower resale values and higher depreciation rates compared to gasoline cars. The average resale value for electric cars is around 22%, which is significantly lower than the average resale value of 44% for gasoline cars.
The depreciation rate for electric cars is typically around 20-25% per year, which is also higher compared to the 12-15% per year depreciation rate for gasoline cars.
A list of 12 things to consider when buying a hybrid or plug-in hybrid car
Before you start shopping for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid car, it’s important to consider the following:
How much do you drive? If your daily commute is less than 10 miles, a hybrid may not be worth it for you. You would be better off saving those extra mpgs (miles per gallon) for longer drives.
How long will your battery last? The batteries in most hybrids have an average life span of between 8-12 years, but some can last as long as 15 years or more while others fail after just five years!
This is something that should definitely be taken into account when making any purchasing decision involving a hybrid vehicle because their batteries aren’t cheap—they cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 each time they need to be replaced!
What kind of maintenance does this vehicle require? Hybrids tend to have more complicated engines which means they require higher maintenance costs over time than regular cars do–especially during those first few years when everything needs checking out after being used so much since being bought new at the dealership (which we’ll talk about next).
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you decide if a hybrid car is right for you. If so, then we encourage you to explore all of the awesome options available on our website and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find useful to learn more about hybrid cars:
Motor Trend’s Buying Guide: A comprehensive guide to buying hybrid cars, including comparisons between models and tips for researching financing options.
Carbase’s Guide to Buying a Used Hybrid Car: A helpful guide on what to look for when buying a pre-owned hybrid car, including inspection tips and common issues to watch out for.
Times of India’s Hybrid Car Buying Guide: An informative article on the benefits of owning a hybrid car, factors to consider before buying one, and top models in India.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about hybrid cars:
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses both gasoline and electric power sources. The electric motor helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it a more fuel-efficient option compared to traditional gasoline-engine cars.
How do hybrid cars work?
Hybrids use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the car. The electric motor is charged by regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during braking or deceleration, and can help improve fuel economy.
What are the benefits of owning a hybrid car?
Hybrid cars offer numerous benefits, including lower emissions, better fuel economy, and reduced running costs over the long term. They are also quieter and provide a smooth driving experience.
Are hybrid cars more expensive than gas cars?
Hybrids typically cost more upfront than comparably sized gasoline-engine cars. However, hybrids may be cheaper to own over their lifetime because of the higher fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Are hybrid cars reliable?
As with all cars, reliability can vary depending on the make and model. Some hybrids have proven to be very reliable, while others may have issues with specialized components like batteries. It’s important to research the specific make and model and consider purchasing from reputable dealers or certified pre-owned programs.
Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.
