The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars

Hybrids were once limited to small sedans and coupes. However, they come in all shapes and sizes now. Improvements in hybrid technology means that there are more hybrid cars on the roads than ever. You may have found yourself wondering about the pros and cons of hybrid cars. We’re here to help answer your questions.

What is a Hybrid Car?

A hybrid car is one that is powered by both electricity and gasoline. In essence, hybrids have two engines. One is fuel powered; the other is electric. Unlike a purely electric car, you do not need to plug most hybrids into a wall outlet to recharge. Hybrids have a built-in system to recharge while in use.

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars

As with any vehicle purchase, there are pros and cons to weight before making your final decision. Unlike standard vehicles, there are few extra considerations to take into account with hybrid cars. With the added technologies and costs, it’s worth giving extra thought to whether a hybrid vehicle is right for your situation.

The Pros of Hybrid Cars

First, let’s look at the pros of hybrid cars.

• Environmentally friendly: Depending on the hybrid model and your driving habits, you could use 30 – 60% less gas than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
• Higher gas mileage: Hybrids are usually very fuel efficient, with some getting as many as 50 MPG. Higher gas mileage also means fewer trips to the gas pump, which is great for your wallet.
• Higher resale value: Hybrids hold onto their value, which means you’ll get more towards a new car when it’s time to move on to a new car.
• Hybrids are great cars for city driving: Hybrid cars are designed to thrive on city streets. In fact, most get better gas mileage in the city than on the freeway!
• Emissions tests may not be required: Depending on your region, you may not be required to have an emission test when it’s time to renew your vehicle registration.
• Tax incentives may be available: Depending on your region, your vehicle may be eligible for tax breaks or credits.

The Cons of Hybrid Cars

As with anything, no matter how great it sounds, hybrid cars do have their cons.

• Higher upfront cost: As a direct result of the additional technology beneath the hood, hybrids can see buyers spending considerably more upfront, even used.
• Increased maintenance costs: The same technology which helps hybrids get great gas mileage and produce low emissions is more expensive to maintain than gas-powered vehicles.
• Less power than a standard fuel equivalent: Hybrid cars draw their power from a combination of gasoline and electricity. At this time, the limits of electricity directly correlates to less power. For casual drivers, this may not be a big deal. For those who want performance out of their vehicle, on the other hand, it may be a deal breaker.
• Less responsive handling: Currently, hybrids are designed for efficiency more than performance. Most hybrids aren’t designed to handle as crisply as a sports car.
• Some hybrids actually have lower mileage on the freeway than in the city: Because hybrids are designed to perform at their best in cities, you’ll notice lower gas mileage on road trips or other long-distance drives.

Hybrid Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

Just like electric and gasoline-burning cars, hybrids need regular maintenance to ensure that they stay in top condition. If you need hybrid car maintenance for a Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, or Infiniti vehicle, call T3 Atlanta. We have two locations in the Metro Atlanta area; find us in Decatur and Smyrna for your convenience. Our certified, experienced technicians will keep your hybrid vehicle running smoothly for years to come.