Hybrid cars have taken the automotive industry by storm in the last 20 years or so. The popularity of hybrid models has led to the introduction of several new models across multiple lineups. Even electric vehicles have made quite a splash lately. Unlike electric models, however, hybrid vehicles offer a more standard driving range and most don’t require charging, making them much more accessible to everyday drivers. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a new car, you may want to consider a hybrid model. Here are some of the most notable benefits.
You may also like: 7 Tips to improve vehicle fuel economy
6 Advantages of hybrid cars
- Improved fuel efficiency: This is perhaps the most well-known benefit of hybrid vehicles. Since they require less gas, especially for city driving, you’ll be spending less time and money at the pump.
- Cleaner energy: It’s no secret that hybrid cars cause less pollution than conventional vehicles. In fact, compact hybrid models emit roughly 10% fewer smog-producing emissions than their gas-powered counterparts. And that percentage gets even higher with larger vehicles.
- Small, lightweight components: Hybrid vehicles are often fitted with smaller engines and other lightweight powertrain components, which don’t consume as much energy and help to improve efficiency.
- Regenerative braking: On most hybrid cars, the energy produced while braking is transferred to the battery, which helps to increase the charge while also reducing fuel consumption and extending the lifetime of your brakes.
- High resale value: Hybrid vehicles continue to be in high demand, even after they’ve been driven around for a few years. The hybrid variant of a regular vehicle typically holds its value much better than the conventional model.
- Teaching you how to drive more efficiently: Most hybrid cars have special gauges and trackers that let you know how much fuel you’re using and whether a certain level of acceleration can be achieved by using only the electric motor. This functionality allows you to learn habits that help you drive more efficiently even in gas-powered cars.
In addition to the advantages listed above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when considering a hybrid vehicle. In most cases, hybrid models are just as comfortable and offer a similar driving experience as their conventional counterparts. Likewise, there are a variety of body types and models that are available with hybrid powertrains, from hatchbacks and sedans to large crossovers and even minivans.
Read more: How to choose the most fuel-efficient car
If you are looking to get behind the wheel of a hybrid vehicle, you’re in luck! The Toyota lineup has plenty of hybrid models to choose from, so take your pick!
