Understanding the pros and cons of either power source is only the halfway point of fully deciding what type of vehicle is right for you.
What are the Types of Hybrid Cars?
Hybrid cars take the best part of the gas and electric vehicles and make it possible for drivers to power their car with gas and electricity. By combining these two distinct types of power, these vehicles can maximize efficiency. However, different hybrids work in diverse ways.
There are three main types of hybrid vehicles:
Full Hybrid
Mild Hybrid
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
Benefits of Gas Cars
With each passing day, it may seem inevitable that the production of gasoline-powered vehicles is ending. However, there are still some benefits you may want to consider.
Low Maintenance Cost: Gas vehicles have filled our roads for a long time, and through the years, we have nearly mastered the art of maintaining them. Even the cheapest gas vehicles have an excellent amount of build quality and if you run into any problem, fixing it is cheap, as most parts are in abundance.
Better Power: While the batteries in hybrid cars are continuously getting better and some of these vehicles are becoming extremely quick, their overall power still pales in comparison to the best-in-class gasoline-powered vehicles. This means that gas cars can reach higher top speeds.
Drawbacks of Gas Cars
Harmful Emissions: Emissions are a key factor for the push toward alternate forms of powering vehicles. The constant combustion of fuel is dangerous and already has caused a severe amount of harm to our environment.
Lower Overall Range: Gas vehicles have lower mileage range. This means that after a certain distance, you must top up on gas again or risk being stranded in the middle of the road. This is a constant and additional expense to your car.
Benefits of Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars are also not without their benefits and drawbacks, and you may want to consider both aspects before purchasing a hybrid vehicle.
Assistance from Electric Motor: The electric motor in hybrid cars is just not an additional power source but it can also aid the combustion engine. This makes it much easier to perform tasks such as accelerating or driving up a hill.
Higher Resale Value: As hybrid cars are still in high demand, you can always sell them at a premium if you are unsatisfied. It is common for people to try a hybrid car for a while and choose to sell it because they can be sure to recoup most of the initial price.
Drawbacks of Hybrid-Powered Vehicles
Higher Maintenance: Because of the dual engine, maintaining a hybrid car can be rather difficult because both engines would have to be checked and hybrid vehicle mechanics are still rare.
Price: Hybrid cars can be rather expensive and may cost significantly more than a regular gas-powered vehicle. However, this cost can usually be offset, as it is cheaper to operate the vehicle.
Making a Choice
Understanding the pros and cons of either power source is only the halfway point of fully deciding what type of vehicle is right for you. You must also consider other factors, such as the number of facilities in your area that service hybrids, as they will help to increase the longevity of your vehicle. QCBN
By Jamaal McCoy
Jamaal McCoy is the general manager of Findlay Auto Group Prescott. He can be reached at 928-443-8300 or jmccoy@findlayauto.com.