Should I Get a Hybrid Car in Canada?

What are hybrid cars?

“Hybrid”, a vehicle that functions with both a battery and fuel, is often confused with fully electric vehicles. Unlike electric cars, not only are hybrids relatively inexpensive, but they’re also huge money savers.

The impact of global climate change is on the rise, and manufacturers have introduced vehicles to help reduce our carbon emissions. Taking this into consideration, more and more Canadians are going with energy efficient cars as alternatives to gas-run vehicles.

“Hybrid”, a vehicle that functions with both a battery and fuel, is often confused with fully electric vehicles. Unlike electric cars, not only are hybrids relatively inexpensive, but they’re also huge money savers.

For the sake of the environment, and your wallet, we will give you the answers to three of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Is there a plug-in required for a Hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles utilize a combination of internal combustion engines and battery electric drive systems to reduce the amount of fuel needed to travel certain distances, hence there is no plug-in required.

Unlike gas-fueled vehicles, hybrids have “regenerative braking” systems, which means that energy from braking is converted into electricity. This electricity returns into the car battery where it is stored, adding more power to the vehicle’s motor. Not only is this feature helpful for the environment, but compared to standard cars, over a five-year period it could save a driver thousands of dollars.

2. Are Hybrids expensive to own and maintain?

Most of the repairs and routine costs of a hybrid are comparable, if not less than, that of a standard vehicle. The initial cost of buying a hybrid vehicle may be more expensive than a non-hybrid, however the overall system and operations helps to prolong its conditions on the road, which means fewer oil changes and less wear and tear on the engine.

Although hybrid batteries do cost more than standard car batteries, they’ve been proven to be reliable and long lasting. With these factors in mind, owning a hybrid vehicle could save you up to $10,000 compared to a standard in the long run.

3. How eco-friendly are Hybrids?

Hybrid vehicles usually use 40% less fuel compared to gasoline cars when driving in the city. On the highway, hybrids typically burn 20% less fuel than standard cars. Long distance drives with hybrids can lower fuel efficiency because the regenerative braking system isn’t being used as frequently. As well, batteries in hybrids are a lot heavier, which means more fuel is expected to be used.

Therefore, if you’re looking to buy a vehicle for long drives on the highway, you might want to opt for a fully electric or plain diesel car.

The next time you’re in the market for a new vehicle, keep in mind the fuel, maintenance and driving factors that are some of the benefits of hybrid cars. It’s true that these energy efficient cars will save you money at the gas station, and contribute to a cleaner world. To get into a Hybrid vehicle in Canada and start building your credit score, call Canada Auto Experts at 1-855-550-5565 today!