Get the best online car shopping experience with expert reviews of Hybrid Cars. Read more to learn about the most important features and important factors to consider when researching Hybrid Cars.
Hybrid Cars overview
Hybrid cars combine traditional gas engines with electric motors, offering a reduction in fuel and maintenance costs. As manufacturers improve the technology and design of their hybrid cars, they're making some dramatic gains in fuel efficiency. Some are pushing toward a 60 mpg rating. With a focus on reducing a vehicle's carbon footprint, the idea of spending less money at the gas pump is enticing. Fueling a hybrid is just like filling up a traditional car, and the car switches between electric and gas without prompting.
Noteworthy features
Fuel economy
The electricity the car operates on is generated by a high-volt battery pack, not the conventional 12-volt battery the car uses to operate lights and accessories. The larger the high-volt battery capacity, the more fuel efficient the hybrid should be. Although gas is used in hybrids to charge the high-volt battery, the amount burned is minimal compared to a traditional gas-powered car.
Reduced tailpipe emissions
Hybrids burn less gas, and that's the reason many people own a hybrid car. It makes sense that the less gasoline your car burns, the less greenhouse gases and pollutants it releases. Because hybrid cars reduce pollution, some communities offer tax incentives to hybrid car owners. Reduce your ownership costs even more by checking for tax incentives offered in your state and county. Federal tax credits are also offered on some plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Regenerative braking
Energy recovery is possible in a hybrid and not in a traditional car. Hybrid cars recover energy during the deceleration or braking process. The energy is then reused by the vehicle. Conventional cars aren't designed to recapture energy, and, in fact, lose any energy created during braking.
Additional considerations
Towing capacity
Towing capacity in a hybrid car is typically less than that of a traditional car. Check towing capacity to verify the hybrid car can meet your needs. A hybrid SUV or hybrid pickup may be better suited for drivers who want to tow boats or trailers. Some large hybrid SUV models can tow up to 5,000 pounds or more.
Cargo and passenger capacity
Sacrificing cargo space for battery placement is a standard practice on many hybrid sedans. That's because there's still an engine under the hood and no room for an extra battery. The high-voltage battery your hybrid vehicle uses is large and will likely be stored in the trunk. Some models place them in the backseat area of the car.
Commuting distances
City driving speeds are ideal for hybrid vehicles. Running errands or short commutes to work in a hybrid won't require a change in driving habits. However, extended periods of high-speed driving can cause a hybrid to depend on its fuel-based motor more often. A plug-in hybrid provides a larger capacity battery and can reduce any anxiety about a long-distance drive. This is akin to having a bigger gas tank in a traditional car.
