If you’re currently car shopping, then you might be looking at hybrid cars. Hybrid cars can be a great choice, especially if you’re concerned about the environment! But what exactly are they? How do they work? What are the advantages? We’ve got the answers to all those questions and more!
What are Hybrid Cars?
A hybrid is something that is made up of two different things. In the case of hybrid cars, this all comes down to power. A hybrid car has both a normal engine and an electric motor. To be clear, these are not electric cars, they do also have a combustion engine, which means that you get the benefits of both regular and electric vehicles.
How Do They Work?
Well, the normal engine works just as a regular car engine does, and will need filling up with petrol! The electric motor will require charging, which you can do at home. However, more and more cities are building electric charging stations for hybrid vehicles, so in the future you should be able to charge your vehicle on the streets too.
Essentially, hybrid cars can switch between the electric motor and the petrol motor, so you can use whichever is more convenient for you. Different manufacturers have different ways of combining the two motors. But there are some general features shared by all hybrid vehicles. Hybrid cars do not have a starter motor (the device that starts your car up using a petrol engine), instead they use their electric motor for this job. When you stop your car (maybe at a traffic light), the engine will stop, but as soon as you press the accelerator, the electric motor will send a signal to the petrol motor letting it start up again. This means that you don’t waste petrol whilst your car is standing still.
Most hybrid cars also feature something called regenerative braking. This lets the electric battery recharge from the energy you produce when your car is going downhill.
What Are the Advantages of Hybrid Cars?
The main advantage of hybrid cars for most people is that they cost less to run. Hybrids are the most fuel efficient cars, so you’ll be spending less money on petrol! In some countries, governments also offer incentives such as tax credits to hybrid vehicle owners. In South Africa this is still under discussion, however. There’s one more financial benefit too: many insurance companies offer discounts for insuring hybrid cars!
Hybrid cars are also much more environmentally friendly, since vehicle emissions are lower. Some experts are also predicting that resale values on hybrid vehicles will be higher, since more and more people these days are looking to go hybrid. So, if you’re one of those people, which models should you look at?
The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
An affordable mid-sized car, the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid has great fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. Honda are one of the leading manufacturers of hybrid cars, and the new hybrid Honda Accord has awesome driving feel, and is speedy and responsive.
The 2015 Toyota Prius V
For many people, Toyota Prius is the first model they think of when they think about hybrid cars. With solid fuel efficiency, plenty of extra gadgets on board, and a high safety rating as well, the 2015 Toyota Prius V is an excellent choice if you’re looking to go hybrid.
The 2015 Ford C-Max
If you want a smaller car, then the 2015 Ford C-Max should be perfect. It’s economical, affordable, and gets some great speeds too! Plus, it’s easy to park and to navigate around city streets.
The 2015 BMW i8
Finally, if luxury is more your thing, then you might be surprised to learn that legendary car maker BMW has also hopped on the hybrid bandwagon with the 2015 BMW i8. Fast, sexy, sleek and… hybrid? Absolutely!
If you want to save money and save the environment at the same time, then hybrid cars are great choices. You’ll cut down on fuel bills, and maybe even on your insurance bills too. Not only that though, but modern hybrid cars are beautiful, so you won’t be making a compromise when it comes to style either!
Main subject: hybrid cars
