AD| In 2022, you may be considering what you can do to help tackle climate change at home. If so, you could start with the car you are driving. Many drivers opt for a zero-emission electric car to help reduce their carbon footprint. However, hybrid cars can be nearly as effective in cutting harmful emissions. Hybrid cars are a great choice if you want to make the jump from traditional combustion engine cars to something a little eco-friendlier. However, there are some concerns about how effective they are. The guide below explores hybrid cars UK in more detail and if it would fit into your lifestyle.
How do hybrid cars work?
Hybrid cars are ones that share their power source with two means of propulsion. Usually, an electric motor is used alongside a petrol or diesel engine, however, petrol tends to be more popular. A smaller petrol engine is used than compared to a traditional combustion engine to make room for the additional electric motor. The way in which a hybrid car works depends on the type of hybrid car you choose. Hybrid cars usually fall in 3 versions, full, mild and a PHEV. A full hybrid can use its combustion engine and electric motor simultaneously and also intendedly and is the most fuel-efficient choice for drivers. Mild hybrids on the other hand can only use their power sources simultaneously and the electric motor is used to assist the engine rather than be powered on its own. Both full and mild hybrids can be recharged through regenerative braking. A PHEV (plug in hybrid) can be charge by plugging it in to a charge point and usually have larger batteries than full hybrids and could be used independently as a full EV.
Are hybrid cars more expensive?
It can be true that hybrid cars are more expensive than a petrol or diesel equivalent, however, there is much more complex technology involved with hybrid cars. Hybrids aren’t as expensive as full EVs though and if you want to take the leap into a greener car, a hybrid could be perfect for you. You could also consider spreading the cost with finance and you can check your eligibility for car finance first to see if it would be the right funding option for you.
Are hybrid cars cheaper to run?
If you’re looking for a car that can provide great fuel economy, a hybrid car could be the best bet for you. When compared to petrol or diesel cars, hybrid cars can on average use up to 30% less fuel. With the cost of petrol and diesel at an all-time high, now could be the best time to invest in a hybrid car with better fuel economy. If you opt for a PHEV, you could save even more money when using it as a full EV. PHEV’s have larger batteries, and some can provide a range of up to 40 miles so if you travel around this each day, you could recharge your hybrid through the night and benefit from a fully electric vehicle without the cost!
Are hybrid cars good for long journeys?
It’s a common misconception that hybrid cars can’t handle long distances. However, this is not true! Not only can a hybrid car cover long distances but there are also more electric car charging points than ever to help make your journey a little easier! When compared to diesel cars you may not get as many miles out of a hybrid car but with a little pre-planning and checking where the nearest charging points on your journey, going on a family road trip should be stress-free!
Are hybrid cars good for the environment?
If you want to help reduce your carbon footprint, you could consider getting an electric car for your next one. Electric cars are completely emission-free and don’t release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Hybrid cars are still much better for the environment than a petrol or diesel equivalent but aren’t 100% zero emissions. However, hybrid cars emit less CO2 and consume less fuel which makes them more environmentally friendly than traditional combustion engine vehicles.