In recent years, Hybrid vehicles have become a more popular choice of car buyers who can afford them. Hybrid vehicles, just like “regular” cars, come in all sizes and shapes however the majority are either compact or mid-sized sedans. In terms of price, hybrids can cost up to 20% more than gas powered vehicles, electric and partially electric models have also become more common and are even more expensive. If you wish to purchase a Hybrid, expect to spend no less than $20,000 and at least $100,000 for a more expensive luxury model. Hybrid cars are better for the environment, their higher price tags however are offset somewhat by state and federal tax credits in certain cases and areas and lower running costs.
How well do Hybrids perform?
Just like “regular” cars, the specifications of Hybrid cars can and do vary. However in general two types exist; the regular hybrid and plug-in hybrids. Regular hybrids are powered by a gasoline engine and a self-charging battery within the car. Typically, “Regular” hybrids get 40-50 miles per gallon, much higher than regular and average automobiles. Plug-in Cars on the contrary contain larger batteries than the regular hybrids do, the batteries within the plug hybrids are recharged by external sources and the car which facilitate operation in short and long range. Cars that operate solely on electrical power are more expensive to buy, but much cheaper to operate and maintain.
How safe are Hybrids?
Hybrids typically are very safe, most models come equipped with side front seat airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes as well as stability control. Rearview cameras are becoming more common as also are high tech electronic safety additions that alert drivers of intrusion in blind spots and help to prevent accidents, such features were typically standard only in luxury models but now are standard in the mainstream. If safety is an important factor in making your purchase decision, The IIHS and NHTSA produces crash test scores that can be used when comparing vehicles.
Features of Hybrid Cars
Luxuries such as heated seats, automatic climate control, rear view cameras, smartphone interfaces, key-less ignition start systems, GPS navigation and Bluetooth are often found in non-luxury hybrids. When shopping for a hybrid car, buyers should be aware and pay attention to the differences of the features and amenities as other luxuries such as storage space and features such as the number of home charging units that effect recharging time.
Interior Space and Size
Typically hybrids and electric cars can seat five people however larger and smaller sized hybrids are produced and sold as well. Five seaters are most common, four seaters meanwhile are nearly just as common while two seat sports cars and larger three row SUV’s are in production but are less common. The presence of the requisite battery packs results in a loss of three to five feet of cubic trunk space in conventional sized sedans, hybrid SUV’s may also have less storage space under the cargo floor due to the larger sized batteries. The capacity of your cargo is certain to be reduced due to the heavy weight of the battery pack, if you need to carry or transport larger and heavy loads of freight in your vehicle, payload capacity may be an issue to consider when making your purchase.
Long term Value
Whenever you buy a car, whether hybrid or regular, you should always consider how long the car will last, how much running the car costs versus how much the car will cost you. Certain things you can’t control or predict, such as what fuel prices will be, however if your car gets good gas mileage and is easy and cheap to run and maintain, the higher price tag can be offset in a relatively short length of time by the lower running costs. On average, car makers offer an eight year warranty on hybrid parts and components, before you buy make sure to inquire about the warranty in case anything ever goes wrong with the electric motor or batteries. If and when you have to replace batteries in a hybrid vehicle, the replacement cost can vary but is not as expensive as you may think.
Hybrids generally are well made and designed vehicles that will last a long time. Hybrid cars are as most people know very eco-friendly, owning a hybrid can be gratifying as well as cheaper in the long run. Typically a hybrid will prove to be a good purchase decision however buyers should consider the subtle differences of the specifications of hybrids when making their final purchase decision.