Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars (Are They Worth It?)
There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding hybrid vehicles. They operate by combining the power of an electric motor with that of a gasoline engine, which makes them look like a major technological advancement overall.
This does not imply that the car is an electric vehicle. Simply said, it basically implies that the car is more ecologically friendly because it doesn’t constantly require the engine to produce a lot of power to move and accelerate. Hybrid cars should be thought of as highly fuel-efficient gasoline-powered cars.
PROS OF HYBRID VEHICLES
- Warranties
Hybrid car manufacturers will usually provide customers with an 8-year warranty which covers the entire hybrid system in case anything goes wrong with it.
- Less Gas and Oil Needed
While hybrid vehicles don’t eliminate the need for oil and gas, it will certainly reduce the amount of it needed because the internal combustion engine won’t be used as much. If more people were to drive hybrid cars, it would be easier to conserve more fossil fuels.
- Fuel Efficiency
Since you are not using as much gasoline for your driving, this means you won’t need to fill your gas tank as often. This will lead to gas savings, especially if you mostly drive around town or within a city where the traffic is slower.
- Eco-Friendlier
It would be nice to say that hybrid vehicles are 100% eco-friendly, but they are not because they still use gasoline. However, they are better for the environment than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles because hybrid vehicles produce fewer carbon emissions. This is one step closer in the right direction toward fighting global warming.
CONS OF HYBRID VEHICLES
- Slower Driving
You won’t be able to drive as fast as you might want with a hybrid vehicle. Although the car allows you to drive at high speeds, you will be using more of your gasoline power if you do. This would defeat the whole point of getting a hybrid car in the first place because it’s supposed to be about using more electrical power and less gasoline power. Therefore, you are always encouraged to drive slower to utilize the electric motor power more.
- More Expensive
Repairing or replacing the components in the electric drivetrain (hybrid battery, inverter, and hybrid control computer) can be very expensive. However, the costs have significantly reduced over the years. Furthermore, modern hybrid components from companies like Toyota are known for being reliable throughout the life of the vehicle.
- Cost vs. Gas Savings
Although you will be saving money on gas because your hybrid vehicle will consume less of it, the total savings on gas still won’t outweigh the extra money you spend on the vehicle itself. So, you may not really see the cost savings when you are paying more money for your monthly premium than you would have if you had purchased a conventional vehicle.
- More to Repair
If there is a problem with your vehicle’s functionality, then you will have more areas for your auto mechanic to look over and diagnose. There could be problems with the electric motor or the gasoline engine, which means you’ll be spending even more money on repair costs for these parts.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A HYBRID CAR BATTERY?
Hybrid car batteries have a reputation for being prone to malfunction, though that’s largely a myth. Battery technology has progressed tremendously over the years and while some manufacturers claim that their hybrid batteries can last over 160,00km, there are many cases of Toyota Prius batteries lasting well past that mileage with this Prius taxi clocking over 1,000,000km without issues.
Manufacturers such as Toyota even offer warranties of up to 10 years and unlimited mileage for their hybrid components which include the battery. That shows their confidence in their hybrid technology. However, most warranties would state that they’re only valid if you service your vehicle at authorized workshops, so make sure you read the fine print of your hybrid car warranty.
Should You Get a Hybrid Car?
The fact that conventional ICE cars emit a lot of carbon dioxide, harming the environment, and that full EVs often have a short driving range and have a shortage of charging infrastructure in Malaysia are well known.
Because they have lower emissions and better fuel efficiency than conventional vehicles, hybrid vehicles are a terrific ecologically friendly solution. They are also relatively inexpensive. Hybrid vehicles, which combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, can help the environment without sacrificing performance or range.
Modern hybrid vehicles, despite their unfavourable reputation, are extremely dependable and simple to maintain. A hybrid vehicle is an excellent option if you want a vehicle that uses less gasoline and emits fewer pollutants without the hassle of recharging it.