Hybrid Cars Pros & Cons | What You Need To Know Before Buying a Hybrid

Hybrid vehicle pros

A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses two types of motors to run. It has a standard combustion engine along with an electric motor. These cars are powered by a hybrid battery, which is smaller than a fully electric vehicle, and a conventional engine, also known as an internal combustion engine. As you read through the advantages of hybrid cars, keep this fact in mind.

Efficiency: Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient. They use gasoline and electric power or electric power for short distances.
Environmental impact: Hybrids emit less than traditional gasoline vehicles, making them a greener choice, especially in cities where air quality is a concern.
Lower operating costs: Hybrid owners spend less on gas due to better fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. Governments offer incentives like tax credits or rebates, further reducing overall costs.
Regenerative braking: Regenerative braking technology captures energy during braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery, improving energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of brake pads.
Technology and features: Hybrid vehicles are equipped with advanced technology that contributes to their efficiency and performance, such as regenerative braking, energy-efficient tires, and aerodynamic designs.

Hybrid vehicle cons

Gasoline-powered cars are equipped with a combustion engine and do not have an electric motor. For some drivers, easy access to fuel is a significant challenge when considering a switch to a hybrid or electric car. Some of the other top cons include cost and battery replacement. Here’s a look at the most popular cons to hybrids:

Higher cost: Hybrid vehicles generally have a higher initial cost than gasoline. While fuel savings and potential incentives can offset this cost over time, it may still deter some buyers.
Limited electric range: Hybrids are fuel-efficient but run on electricity and gasoline, limiting their electric range. They switch to gasoline when the electric range is exhausted. This may be better for long-distance driving or scarce charging stations.
Battery replacement: The cost of replacing degraded or failed battery packs in hybrid vehicles can be high despite advancements in battery technology leading to longer lifespans.
Performance: Hybrid models may sacrifice performance for efficiency, which could be a drawback for those prioritizing performance or towing capacity.
Infrastructure: As stated earlier, plug-in hybrid vehicles need charging infrastructure to utilize their electric capabilities fully. Depending on your location, charging stations may be limited or difficult to reach, affecting the convenience of owning a hybrid.

Is it worth buying a hybrid car in the long run in Canada?

Drivers must make large-scale financial decisions when buying a car but also want something that will last. On average, Canadians are estimated to pay over $1,300 a month to own a car in 2024 – so choosing a hybrid isn’t always a fast decision, but it can pay off in the long run. Users on Reddit have posed the same question – Is it worth getting a hybrid vehicle in the long run.

Here are a few things to consider:

Depending on how many kilometres you drive, a hybrid may lower fuel costs. We share an example of how to calculate fuel economy on our blog.
Depending on your coverage needs, you may see a lower rate on your hybrid car insurance.
BCHydro offers a free EV/Hybrid Calculator that can help you budget costs. You can customize the results to your specifications.
Is the car for personal or commercial vehicle use?
You may qualify for a zero-emission vehicle incentive, depending on the type of vehicle you buy.

Hybrid car pros and cons FAQs

What is the biggest problem with hybrid cars?

One major concern with these cars is the battery. The lithium-ion batteries in hybrid vehicles also degrade over time, reducing battery performance. As a result, the battery may require longer charge times and hold less charge. In addition, repairs for these batteries can be expensive, ranging from $2,000 to as much as $10,000.

Do hybrid cars last long?

With proper hybrid vehicle maintenance, drivers can expect their car to last 10-20 years, or 250,000 kilometres.

Is buying a hybrid car a good idea?

Hybrids offer impressive efficiency that is easily noticeable while driving and in your wallet. With the electric motor taking care of initial low-speed acceleration and engine-off "sailing" powertrain functions, hybrid vehicles provide better average mileage than cars with only a traditional internal combustion engine. Choosing a hybrid option is often more cost-effective than their gas-only counterparts for compact and midsize cars and SUVs in the long run.

Are hybrids good for highway driving?

Compared to gasoline vehicles, hybrid cars use 40% less fuel in the city and 20% less on highways. Thus, they are great options for both city and highway driving.

Should a hybrid be your next vehicle?

If you are ready to buy an affordable hybrid car, don’t forget to set up and take advantage of any savings with hybrid car insurance.

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Hybrid vehicle pros

Hybrid vehicle cons

Is it worth buying a hybrid car in the long run in Canada?

Hybrid car pros and cons FAQs