Are you thinking of buying a car that’s more fuel efficient? You might be considering a hybrid. Hybrids have been on the market for a while now, and more people are making the switch. But are they really worth it?
Here are some of the pros and cons of driving a hybrid car. We’ll also take a look at how much you can expect to pay for car insurance for hybrids if you drive one.
How do Hybrid Vehicles Work, and Are They Worth It?
Most hybrids have a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery, and it helps the gasoline engine run more efficiently. The battery is recharged by the engine and by braking.
When you’re stopped at a red light or going slow, the car switches to electric power, which conserves gasoline. And when you’re accelerating or going up a hill, the car uses a combination of both the gasoline engine and the electric motor for extra power.
The Pros of Driving a Hybrid
There are several benefits to owning a hybrid car. One is you’ll save money on gas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that hybrids get anywhere from 30 to 60 mpg, while most regular cars only get 20 to 30 mpg.
According to Carvana, if you compare a 25 mpg car to a 42 mpg hybrid, you could be looking at more than $600 in savings each year. These savings only increase if you were to purchase a hybrid car with even better gas mileage, like a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq that averages 59 miles per gallon.
Environmental Benefits
Another benefit of owning a hybrid car is they emit less pollution than regular cars.
That’s because they use less gasoline, and the emissions from the electric motor are much lower than emissions from a gasoline engine. You can feel environmentally moral on the road. You may also consider using solar power energy at home to support green energy when you’re not traveling.
The Cons of Driving a Hybrid
The average car on the road today gets about 27 mpg. To meet the EPA’s new fuel efficiency standards, car makers will have to increase that number to 54.5 mpg by 2025.
That’s a pretty big jump, and it’s one that will likely come with a higher price tag for consumers.
According to Consumer Reports, if you’re looking to purchase a hybrid vehicle, you could expect to spend an additional $2,000 to $3,000 more than the comparable conventional model. But keep in mind you’ll save money in the long run because you’ll be spending less on gas.
If that seems a bit unaffordable and you’re still looking for an electric means of transportation, then you can keep holding out hope for Tesla’s future hoverboard.
Another drawback of hybrid cars is they can be difficult to repair. That’s because they have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, which means there are more parts that can break down. And since hybrids are still relatively new, there aren’t as many mechanics who are trained to repair them.
Car Insurance for Hybrids
Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of owning a hybrid car, let’s take a look at car insurance for hybrids.
Car insurance for hybrids is typically more expensive than car insurance for regular cars. That’s because hybrids are more expensive to repair, and they’re also more likely to be stolen.
But there are some ways to save money on car insurance for hybrids. These include insurance discounts like:
- Anti-theft device discounts
- Autopay discounts
- Discounts for completing a driver’s education course
- Good driver discounts
- Good student discounts
- Hybrid car insurance discounts (offered by some insurers)
- Low mileage discounts
- Multi-car discounts
- Paperless billing discounts
Be sure to ask your insurance provider about these discounts to determine your eligibility.
The most important cost-saving tip is to shop around and compare rates from different insurers.
How to Decide if a Hybrid Is the Right Choice for You
There are a few things you’ll want to consider before deciding if a hybrid car is the right choice for you.
- Consider the climate where you live. If you live in an area with high emissions standards, you may be eligible for a tax credit.
- Remember your budget. If you’re looking to purchase a hybrid car, you could expect to spend an additional $2,000 to $3,000 more than the comparable conventional model.
- Think about your driving habits. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or drive in traffic often, a hybrid car could save you money on gas.
If you’re looking to save money on gas and do your part to reduce emissions, a hybrid car may be the right choice for you. Just be sure to do your research and consider all the factors before deciding.
