Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?
Let’s get right down to it- are hybrid cars worth it? This is an increasingly worthwhile question as hybrids continue to proliferate the market. Not only are there ample hybrids to choose from when car-shopping around Shrewsbury, Auburn, and Worcester, MA, but there are different types of hybrids available.
So what’s to be made of all these hybrids? How do they work and more importantly, are they worth your time? Well, our Harr Toyota team is providing a quick breakdown of these questions so you can get your head around the growing hybrid craze.
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Understanding The Different Types of Hybrids
There are either three or four types of hybrid powertrains offered on the modern market, depending on whether you consider an electric vehicle to be a hybrid. For this breakdown, we’ll classify electric models as their own entity which leaves the following three hybrid types:
- Mild hybrid
- Full hybrid
- Plug-in hybrid
The core premise of any hybrid powertrain is that you’re pairing a gas or internal combustion engine with an electric battery. In mild hybrid systems, you’re getting the least amount of output from that electric battery. So most mild hybrid cars can’t run solely on electric power for any extended period of time. Instead, the battery works to support the engine as best as possible, increasing fuel economy along the way.
The next step up in the hybrid evolutionary chain is the full hybrid system. A full hybrid can run solely on electric power for a certain range. The most notable example of a full hybrid is the Prius which has been offering this powertrain for many years. However, you typically can’t select when you want to be in electric-only mode with a full hybrid.
So this brings us to the last hybrid system, the plug-in hybrid. With a plug-in hybrid, you actually charge your car at home and then have access to electric-only power while on the road. Typically you’ll have anywhere from 20 to 60 miles of electric-only power to go with the range your gas-powered engine offers. You can access this electric power at your own discretion, too.
So, Are Hybrids Worthwhile?
So what’s to be made of these hybrid models? Are they worth your time? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to emphasize fuel economy in your next car, hybrids make a lot of sense.
Hybrids like the plug-in version are also a great steppingstone for those who are considering an electric car but don’t want to take the plunge just yet. You can use the plug-in hybrid to see what it’s like having a semi-electric car. If it fits your tastes and preferences, maybe you consider a fully electric vehicle for your next ride?
Learn More About Hybrids or Test Drive Your Favorites
Here at Harr Toyota we’re always working to assist local drivers. If you have a question about hybrid cars or if you want to test one out in person, please reach out. We’ll happily get you behind the wheel for a spin through Shrewsbury, Auburn, and Worcester, MA.