The hybrid car has become a reality in our daily life. Far from futuristic representations, it has established itself as an inescapable solution…

However, with its reduced impact on the environment, the hybrid car oscillates between advantages and disadvantages. We give you the information you need to get to know all about this vehicle which combines two technologies.

First of all, it is important not to confuse hybrid cars and electric cars… they are totally different.

It often happens that we speak of a hybrid vehicle instead of an electric vehicle and vice versa. An electric vehicle is by definition a vehicle that runs 100% on electric power, while a hybrid vehicle has two engines, one running on gasoline, and the other on electricity.

Before deciding whether to buy a hybrid car or not, you should know all the pros and cons of this kind of car.

Let’s start with the bright side and see some of the advantages of owning a hybrid car.

Pros of Hybrid Cars

1. No need to recharge the battery 

Contrary to the popular belief, a hybrid vehicle does not need to be plugged into a power outlet to recharge its battery. Thus, it does not change the habits of the driver since everything is identical to classic gasoline or diesel car. The battery is autonomous, it automatically manages the engine assistance and energy regeneration phases. Just refuel and forget.

2. Low fuel consumption 

Thanks to its two engines, the hybrid vehicle consumes less than a conventional combustion engine vehicle. This difference is noticeable during acceleration where the electric motor supports the gasoline engine. You will also be especially more economical in town, where stops, starts, and low-speed traffic are omnipresent because all these phases only use the electric motor. If the vast majority of your journeys are in the city, the hybrid will allow you to consume significantly less fuel.

3. More ecological

Hybrid cars are greener machines. Thanks to the electric motor, which reduces fuel consumption, driving a hybrid vehicle also means emitting less CO2.

4. Superior user comfort

One of the advantages of the hybrid vehicle is its ease of use. At low speed in town, or when decelerating, you will benefit from total silence in the vehicle since the heat engine is not running. You, therefore, produce less noise pollution in your neighborhood and can enjoy great peace on board. Also, note that all hybrids on the market do not have a clutch pedal and remove the driver from the shift for a smoother ride.

5. Reliable

some cars already display more than 300,000km on the odometer, without having had to change the battery. When the car ages, it is only logical that there is a decrease in performance. The storage capacity of the battery is decreasing, but there are still savings in consumption. Hybrid vehicles are cars that do not have a starter, gearbox, or timing belt, which are expensive parts to repair. You, therefore, free yourself from these parts to maintain.

6. Obtainability

Hybrid cars are a cheap entry to the age of electrification of cars. Compared to electric cars, hybrid cars’ prices are cheaper, starting from $25,000 for Toyota Prius.  

Now that you know the advantages, let’s talk about the disadvantages that come with owning a hybrid vehicle:

Cons of Hybrid Cars

1. A loss of on-board space

Even if this phenomenon tends to disappear on the latest hybrid models, the vast majority of vehicles on the market sacrifice part of the boot (trunk) to store the battery. On some models, these batteries are found under the back seat or very low on the floor.

2. Higher weight

With the weight of the battery, hybrid vehicles are on average heavier than their gasoline counterparts, this has little impact in daily use but it is still an element to take into account if you prefer to handle light cars.

3. More risk of accidents with pedestrians

The quietness of the engine is a double-edged sword. In town, you’ll need to be even more vigilant than you already are. Pedestrians may not hear your engine and cross unexpectedly.

4. More repair costs

Having two propulsion systems in one car adds cost and complexity to servicing and repairs. However, most electric motors have proven durable and require fewer moving parts than a heat engine.

5. Not so good in the countryside

The hybrid engine is especially interesting at low speed, so in urban areas. If you live in the countryside, and you drive a lot on major roads such as highways and national roads, then the hybrid engine will be of little interest since you will mainly draw on the heat engine. Having a hybrid vehicle won’t be profitable.

Knowing everything about hybrid vehicles is an ace up your sleeve when you want to sell your car and buy a hybrid one. Generally, after hearing all the hype about hybrid engines, having two operating engines can absolutely add to the value of your car.

Author: Sultan Asad

Sultan Asad is the Branding Manager at WeBuyCarsDXB. More than 5000 customers from all over the UAE have chosen We Buy Cars DXB as a trustworthy car selling service that provides a hassle-free way for any person selling their car by taking care of the deal front to end in under 30 minutes.

Get more acquainted with their hassle-free way to buy a car in under 30 minutes at WeBuyCarsDXB.