Buying a Hybrid Car

When it’s time to buy your next car you might consider a hybrid model. An increasing number of hybrids are hitting the road, and it is helpful to know what technology makes them run, and what benefits you reap by purchasing a hybrid versus a conventional model.

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car works by combining an electrical system with the usual combustive system found in a vehicle. Using a technique called regenerative breaking; the car converts the energy usually lost in breaking maneuvers into electricity. That energy is stored in a battery until the car accelerates. The battery provides additional power for passing, climbing or acceleration, activities which combustion engines do poorly. Additionally, a hybrid engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle comes to a full stop and restarts seamlessly when the accelerator is pushed, eliminating fuel wasted during idling.

Should you buy a hybrid?

A hybrid car is going to be more expensive than a conventional car. While prices are likely to drop soon with the increased market share hybrids are capturing, they remain several thousand dollars more right now. The savings on gas mileage can be noticeable but not enough to make up the difference in the life of a car.

Hybrid cars need to have their breaks replaced much less often, at about 100,000 kilometres and the battery pack is estimated to last 200,000 kilometres. Your electric components will likely need no routine maintenance, although you will still need to perform regular service on the combustion part of the car. In city driving, when you idle a lot and drive at low speeds, your combustion engine will rarely be engaged; even in normal driving a hybrid will produce about 30% less in emissions.

Bottom Line

A hybrid car can help you feel good about your environmental impact, and costs savings at the fuel pump will help your bank balance. Most experts agree that the electric-combustion hybrid is a stepping stone to better technologies coming down the pipe. You won’t regret buying a hybrid car.

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