Are Hybrid Cars a Good In-Between to Green?

Thinking about upgrading to something a little more eco-friendly than a regular petrol car? You wouldn’t be alone. Drivers in their thousands are making the switch from petrol or diesel to more sustainable vehicle options.

But if you’re not up for going fully electric, are hybrid cars the way forward? Changing vehicle type can feel like a huge commitment, so it's nice to feel like you are making the right decision for you and your passengers.

Use this blog to figure out whether a hybrid car is what you want, or whether it would be worth taking the plunge and rolling with a fully-electric model.

The benefits of hybrid cars

Hybrid cars come in a variety of different models; however, they all use a fairly similar approach.

For a car to be ‘hybrid’ it must draw from multiple power sources often simultaneously — in this instance, power from a combustion engine and electrical power. HEVs (Hybrid electric vehicles) often gain their electric power from motors that use energy from the battery but can also gain energy from regenerative braking too.

Combining a combustion engine’s practicality with electric power means there are multiple benefits to driving a hybrid.

Familiarity

One of the main reasons why drivers opt for hybrid cars is their familiarity.

Instead of diving in at the deep end with fully-electric cars, many drivers feel the need to ‘ease themselves’ into the world of sustainable vehicles with a hybrid. And, that’s a very valid reason to opt for a certain model. After all, with combustion engines, there is still the routine of filling up the car at a fuel station. What’s more, driving-wise, there is little to no difference in handling when it comes to hybrids.

Never get caught short

One of the most frustrating things about driving an electric car is not driving it. Due to the reliance on electricity for fuel, when your car runs out of juice, you have to sit and wait for it to charge.

If you haven't planned ahead for this or factored in a conveniently-timed rest break at a service station into your road trip, this can seem very disruptive indeed.

However, with hybrids, you can afford to throw caution to the wind in much the same way as you can with petrol or diesel cars. Unlike electric charging points (which are still few and far between, despite recent developments), there is always a trusty fuel station every few miles.

So, when the battery gets low on your hybrid, you can just run off a combustion engine. And, when the fuel light flashes, pull in and top it up. Even the refiling takes but a fraction of the time that an electric car does to charge. So, if you're a driver who doesn’t like to plan ahead — and doesn’t have a lot of time — hybrids are by far still the safest, most compatible option, allowing your car to keep up with you, not vice versa.

Efficiency

To risk stating the obvious, hybrid vehicles offer a far more efficient vehicle experience than their petrol or diesel cousins.

Generally speaking, in towns, the hybrid is leaps and bounds more economical than a diesel car and, on motorways, far more efficient than petrol. Many hybrid vehicles also operate using a regenerative braking system that converts energy previously wasted when braking or lifting off the accelerator pedal into electric energy through a motor.

This also makes the hybrid vehicle the ideal candidate for driving in stop-start traffic situations.

Towing and load-bearing capacity

Another reason to opt for a hybrid vehicle is its towing capabilities. On occasion, fully-electric vehicles have come under criticism for their lack of power when it comes to towing. And, while hybrid cars may not have as much force as regular petrol or diesel models, they still are capable of impressive towing feats — far more so than electric vehicles. In fact, some EVs aren’t able to tow at all.

The benefits of electric vehicles

Now let’s look at the unique benefits that come with driving an all-electric vehicle.

Phasing in, not out

You may well have heard by now that combustion engines are being phased out. In line with the UK Government’s aims to drastically reduce the number of carbon emissions the sale of new petrol or diesel cars will be banned in 2030.

But what about hybrids? While you will still be able to buy hybrids second-hand, and sell them too, hybrid cars will follow the ill-fate of petrol and diesel cars, being banned from sale in new car showrooms from 2035.

But what does this mean for your hybrid now? Well, it means you shouldn't get too attached to the hybrid lifestyle and expect to buy a new car and it may mean that your hybrid depletes on value quicker than, say, an electric car would. Just food for thought.

Taxes & fines

Electric cars also come out on top when dealing with fines and emissions charges because they produce zero emissions. If you’re living in a city or area that’s cracking down on emissions (like the ULEZ in Central London), electric cars are your best bet to keep costs low.

Using the ULEZ as an example, per day electric car users could save £12.50 on their London commute.

What’s more, since road tax is calculated based on the CO2 emissions of your vehicle, purely electric vehicles are completely exempt from paying it until April 2025. Hybrid electric drivers cannot enjoy this luxury.

Decisions, decisions

So, should you opt for a hybrid or take the plunge? Well, if you’re looking for a sustainable vehicle that helps protect the planet while still very much feeling like a ‘normal’ car, the hybrid is the model for you. However, if you’re willing to reject tradition and embrace a newer, more unfamiliar type of vehicle, then you can enjoy all the benefits that come with electric cars. Happy choosing!

Speak to the experts

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, if you have a question concerning your car’s tyres, brakes, handling, or just general condition, speak to the experts at Tyre Pros today.