Hybrid cars are growing in popularity, and there are many reasons why. For some, this is an opportunity to save on gas without having to rely solely on electric power. Others just want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and their impact on the environment. Either way, hybrid vehicles can be a great option depending on your driving habits, needs, and expectations. Here are 5 of the main benefits of hybrid vehicles.
Lower Fuel Costs
One of the biggest advantages of hybrid vehicles is that they allow owners to make significant savings on fuel. This is especially true with a vehicle like a Hybrid SUV for instance. You have SUVs that consume as little as 51 mpg, which is two times more than some compact gas vehicles on the market. Hybrids are especially great for city commute and traffic, as they run solely on electricity at lower speeds.
Low Emissions
Hybrid cars are not only a way to save money, but to preserve the environment as well. Hybrid and electric vehicles have a direct impact on air quality in urban centers, and are one of the main contributors to smog. Hybrid vehicles are so clean, in fact, that some states don’t even require that you have them tested yearly for emissions.
Tax Benefits
Hybrids are usually a little bit more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. However, the gap is largely made up for by the reduction in fuel costs as well as the various tax incentives at the federal and state levels. States like Oregon, for instance, offer tax credits for hybrid cars. Some states will also offer rebates on registration for hybrid vehicles among other things.
High Performance
Some people still associate performance with muscles cars and cylinders, but electric vehicles are some of the most performant on the market. For one, they offer instant torque unlike gas powered vehicles. But there are also more and more electric vehicles that are released for the performance market.
As a matter of fact, there is a whole sector for performance electric vehicles, and this should continue to grow in the coming years. And while many of the high-performance hybrids are in the luxury category, there are some very reasonably priced as well, like the Honda CRZ, for instance.
High Resale Value
One of the benefits of hybrid vehicles a lot of people overlook is the fact that they retain a lot of their original value. One of the reasons for this is that they tend to be much rarer on the market. They often also have better technology then their gas only version. Not only that, but these vehicles often have a reputation for being durable as well, which makes them particularly attractive to second hand buyers.
As you can see, hybrids have tons of things going for them and could be the best choice for you. Whatever you do, make sure that you do your research on any vehicle you’re intending to buy, and take the time to weigh your options.
We haven’t bought a hybrid yet. I understand Toyota is usually pretty reliable!