The continual technological advancement and innovation of the automotive industry have placed more choice than ever in the hands of car buyers. From traditional gas vehicles to electric, and the happy medium – hybrid cars – you certainly have plenty of options.
For many, hybrid vehicles may be the most practical choice, offering the enhanced efficiency with completely abandoning the long-range fuel capacity. For that reason, we’ve done some digging, providing you with some interesting facts about hybrid cars.
Hybrid Cars Have Reduced Fuel Consumption
Hybrid cars combine the efficiencies of an electric motor with the longer-range capabilities of a gasoline engine, working together to achieve better fuel economy. Further, the electric motor assists the gasoline engine’s functioning, reducing gas consumption as you drive.
Perhaps, the best part about this type of car is that its batteries can recharge without plugging them into a power source. Rather, they recharge as you drive. So, when the time comes for the electric motor to kick in, you’ll have the battery reserves ready.
Speaking of when the electric engine kicks in — the transition between the electric motor and the gasoline engine is seamless. In fact, you won’t feel it at all!
Hybrid Cars Reduce Pollution
Statistics indicate that a hybrid car has approximately 25 percent to 30 percent lower emissions than gas cars. Therefore, increasing the use of hybrid cars worldwide could reduce the carbon footprint by a significant margin. Just another exciting reason these models have become so appealing.
Hybrid Cars Have Lower Depreciation Rates
Hybrid cars tend to depreciate at a lower rate than non-hybrid cars, too. This lower depreciation rate can largely be attributed to the successful relationship between each hybrid’s electric motor and gas engine. Because they work together, their longevity is able to be potentially extended, increasing value. So, a hybrid vehicle is an excellent investment if you seek to buy a car that would give you great value in the long term.
Hybrid Cars Come in Different Types
The current technological advancements facilitate the manufacturing of different types of hybrid cars, as well. These types include parallel, series, and plug-in hybrid models.
The parallel hybrid vehicles constitute the most common design. The gasoline engine and the electric motor connection blend both power sources. The transmission can be manual, automatic, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The acceleration and noise level of these cars depend on the gasoline engine’s size and transmission type.
In a series design, all the car’s thrust comes from the electric motor. The motor gets its charge from the gasoline engine, and the engine and the wheels lack a mechanical connection. So, the experience of such a car is more of an electric car and has a powerful acceleration.
The plug-in hybrid consists of a larger battery pack than other hybrid cars. The larger battery functions as an extra gas tank, allowing you to commute long distances without recharging. The battery should be charged using an external electricity power source, functioning more like an EV in this sense, too.
Additionally, hybrids of all these varieties come in all shapes and sizes. So, whether you want a coupe, crossover, or SUV, you should be able to find a great hybrid model.
Learn More About Your Hybrid Model Options
Impressed after reading these interesting facts about hybrid cars? Well, you certainly have plenty of choice if you are ready to explore this automotive arena. Get behind the wheel and test drive a few today – see what the hype is all about!