Are Hybrid Cars Worth It? We Have the Answer

Hybrid cars have recently become more common for personal and commercial use. They are no longer made in limited models and reserved for environmentalists. As Canadians try to embrace a more eco-friendly life, they’re looking into the pros and cons of buying and driving hybrid cars. The question posed is: Do they make a difference? Are they better for the drivers? After extensive research, we created this blog to answer this question.

What Are Hybrid Cars?

You’ve probably heard the terms and know they are a different type of car that is more eco-friendly, but what are hybrid cars, exactly?

Hybrid cars are somewhere between traditional internal combustion engine-operated vehicles and electric vehicles. They contain an internal combustion engine but run on gasoline. The electric motor inside a hybrid vehicle is powered by a small voltage hybrid battery pack, however, not all types of hybrid cars get plugged in like electric cars. Simply put, hybrid cars can use either gasoline or an electric motor to run, or a combination of both.

What Are the Types of Hybrid Cars?

Full Hybrid Cars (Non-Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles or HEV)

Fully hybrid cars are the most common type of hybrid vehicles. Famous examples include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Ford Escape Hybrid. As opposed to plug-in hybrid cars, which we will discuss in the next section, full hybrid cars are self-charging and don’t need to get plugged in to recharge. They charge through the regenerative braking technology, which captures energy during braking to use to recharge the battery.

Fully hybrid cars can run on just the engine as well as the electric motor, and at times, a combination of both. When running on the electric motor, it runs at lower city speeds. There are three types of full hybrid vehicles: the parallel hybrid vehicle, the series hybrid vehicle, and the series-parallel hybrid vehicle.

Parallel Hybrid Vehicles

A parallel hybrid car can be powered by the engine, electric motor, or both, working together. Examples that come to mind are the Honda Insight and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Series Hybrid Vehicles

Series hybrid vehicles, like the BMW i3 REx, run their wheels with electric power only. The internal engine provides power to a sort of generator that, in turn, charges the battery and powers the electric motor. The internal engine never powers the wheels directly.

Series-Parallel Hybrid Cars

These cars combine features of both series and parallel hybrid cars. They can switch between electric and hybrid modes for optimal efficiency. The newer generations of the Toyota Prius fall under that category, as well as the Ford Fusion hybrid cars. Series-parallel cars are a less common type of full hybrid car.

The Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

If there’s a spectrum between pure electric vehicles and their gas-only counterparts, plug-in hybrid vehicles are right in the middle of that spectrum. They have a bigger battery that allows them to travel longer distances than non-plug-ins, relying on the electric motor before switching to the engine or a mix of both. PHEVS can operate in electric-only mode for short distances, typically between 25 to 50 miles, before the gas engine is needed.

Another thing that sets this type of hybrid car apart is that it can be plugged in to recharge or use regenerative braking. Examples of plug-in hybrid models include the Toyota Prius Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Ford Escape PHEV.

Mild Hybrid Cars (MHEV)

Mild hybrid cars lean more towards traditional cars on the spectrum. They do use an electric motor to help power the gasoline engine, but they cannot operate on electric power alone. They typically utilize a starter-generator to assist the internal combustion engine without relying on a larger battery. They are charged through regenerative braking, meaning they don’t get plugged in to recharge.

They provide some fuel economy benefits from electric assistance, but do not allow for electric-only driving. Examples include the older versions of the Honda Accord Hybrid cars, in addition to some Audi and Mercedes-Benz Models.

Range Extenders

Range extender hybrids use an electric motor for driving, with a small gas engine to recharge the battery, but are less common than other types. The Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma are popular models of range extenders.

Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?

Now that you know more about hybrid cars, it’s time to give you the answers you came for. Are they worth your money? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of owning a hybrid car.

Advantages of Buying a Hybrid Car

Hybrid Cars Are Environmentally Friendly

In comparison to gasoline-powered cars, hybrid cars are more environmentally friendly. When driving the non-plugged hybrid versions on gasoline, they generally have lower tailpipe emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Fuel efficiency is the reason behind that, as travelling the same distance, a hybrid car consumes significantly less fuel than a fully gas-powered car.

Moreover, many hybrid cars can run solely on electric power for short distances, enhancing their fuel efficiency. Hybrid vehicles are estimated to use 40% less fuel in the city and 20% less on highways compared to gasoline vehicles.

Lower Fuel Costs

Naturally, because hybrid cars consume less fuel, hybrid owners pay less for fuel monthly. Some might argue that the extra cost of getting a hybrid car is paid off through fuel savings. Over five years, you may save $1.2-2.4k on gas expenses if you own the Toyota RAV hybrid, one of the most popular hybrid SUVS.

Less Maintenance Costs

Hybrid cars rely on two main sources of power, not one. While a traditional car’s engine might wear easily, this is hardly the case for hybrid cars. They require less oil or coolant, and their routine maintenance costs are lower than a car that primarily relies on combustion fuel engines. Hybrid cars also have a higher resale value than conventional cars. That means, if you sell your hybrid car after years of usage, you will get more value than if you sell your traditional car.

Advanced Technology

Hybrid cars often feature more advanced technology compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Here are some of the technological advantages of hybrid cars.

Dual power systems: they combine a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors, which accounts for how hybrid cars are fuel-efficient.
Regenerative braking technology: Unlike traditional cars that generate heat and waste energy, hybrids use this technology to capture kinetic energy and convert it into electricity that recharges the battery.
Automatic start/stop systems: Traditional internal combustion engines idle at stoplights, wasting fuel. On the other hand, hybrids automatically shut off the engine when the car stops and restart it as soon as the driver accelerates.
Electric-only mode: Electric cars and hybrid plug-in models can operate in electric-only mode for a certain distance, depending on the car type and electric range. During this mode, there are zero harmful emissions, which is ideal for city driving.
Advanced battery management systems: This hybrid technology allows the batteries to be managed by intelligent control units, which helps in maintaining long-term battery health and optimizes the charging and discharging cycles.
Aerodynamic design and lightweight materials: These user materials not only have a sleeker design, but they also reduce drag and vehicle weight, improving fuel economy.

Enhanced Onboard Technologies

Modern hybrid vehicles have advanced onboard technologies that make them user convenient and enhance smart driving. These include:

Eco-driving feedback systems (to coach fuel-efficient driving)
Driving mode selectors (e.g., Eco, EV, Sport)
Advanced navigation with battery range estimators and charging locations
Mobile apps for remote battery status, pre-conditioning, and trip planning

What are the disadvantages of a hybrid car?

Higher Upfront Costs

Yes, electric cars can save you money on long-term running costs due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. However, they are still more expensive to buy than traditional cars. Due to the electric range of the car and a bigger battery, the hybrid car usually costs around $3000 more than a traditional car with the same features.

For example, the hybrid Honda Accord costs around $35,000, while the hybrid version costs around $38,000. Another example is the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which costs approximately $36,000, which is $3000 more than the Toyota RAV4 Gasoline.

Less Environmentally Friendly than Electric Cars

Yes, hybrid cars are better for the environment than gas-powered cars. Still, they aren’t as far ahead as electric cars. If you care for the environment and have extra money to spend, an electric car is a better option.

In the end, it all depends on your driving habits. If you plan to rely solely on gasoline, you’re better off paying $3000 less for a traditional car. Also, most hybrids can’t rely solely on the electric motor. The optimal solution is to drive in electric mode as much as you can and switch to hybrid or gasoline mode when electric isn’t a viable option.

Expensive Maintenance Costs- When Needed

Yes, hybrid cars require less maintenance than traditional cars, because there’s less pressure on the engine. However, they still cost a lot when they require maintenance, especially when the battery needs replacement.

Rest assured, the hybrid car batteries have a warranty of 10 years or around 240,000km, but if you need to replace the battery for any reason, it costs more than $2000. Compared to conventional cars, whose batteries cost between $100 and $300, it’s a lot of money.

Unmatched Infrastructure

Plug-in hybrid cars need charging stations for their electric motor. If the motor isn’t charged, the car will only operate on the gasoline engine. Unfortunately, not all cities and towns have charging infrastructure. If your area doesn’t have enough stations to fully use the capabilities of the electric motor of a hybrid car, it’s still better to get a fully gas-powered car.

Lower Performance than Traditional Cars

Hybrid cars are ahead of traditional cars when it comes to acceleration and torque because of their electric motor. Basically, unlike a gas car, a hybrid car can deliver instant torque, providing quick acceleration from a standstill. In other words, it can go from 0 to 100 in an instant. However, traditional cars have higher horsepower, which means they perform better in high-speed driving situations.

Moreover, gas-powered vehicles are usually lighter than hybrids, offering more agile handling and a traditional driving feel. They provide consistent performance without the transition between power sources. If your driving habits demand more power and speed, go for a traditional car.

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Final Thoughts: Hybrid VS. Gas-Powered Cars

Every driver has different priorities, requirements, and preferences. Let’s give you a brief idea of what could be better for you, depending on some factors.

Go for a Hybrid Car IF You

Prioritize a cleaner environment and better fuel economy, but can’t afford an electric car.
Want to save on fuel costs in the long run.
Love to stay on top of new vehicle technology.
Your driving habits lean towards city driving.
Don’t mind the higher price tag.
Plan to sell the car in the future, as hybrid cars have a better resale value.
Don’t like to visit the mechanic shop very often.

Go for a Traditional Car IF You

Want to spend less on the car.
Prioritize speed and power over fuel efficiency.
Don’t have many charging stations in your city.
Want to spend less on maintenance.
Drive more on highways than on city roads.

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s all about what you need. Hybrid cars are the future, with better fuel consumption and less harmful emissions. Yet, they’re not made for everyone. There’s a reason traditional cars are still made to this day. If your driving situation and budget align with hybrid cars, then they are definitely worth it for their convenience, fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and resale value. if you’re making the switch, it’s smart to speak with a car insurance broker in Ontario to find the best coverage for your hybrid vehicle.

Hybrid Cars: FAQs

Do hybrid cars last long?

Yes, with proper maintenance, hybrids can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. Advancements in battery technology have enhanced their longevity.

At what speed does a hybrid switch to gas?

Transition speeds vary by model. Generally, hybrids switch from electric to gasoline power between 30 to 50 mph, depending on driving conditions and battery charge.

Is it worth buying a hybrid car in the long run in Canada?

Yes, especially with rising fuel prices and available government incentives. Hybrids can offer significant long-term savings and environmental benefits.

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