Wondering if you should buy a hybrid car? Many motorists have been making the transition to a hybrid car in recent times, so it seems that this is the future of motoring. It is a big decision to make, so this post will tell you all you need to make an informed decision about making the switch. Read on to find out more.
What is Hybrid?
So, what exactly is a hybrid? A hybrid car is one that combines a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor. The combustion engine also charges the car’s battery and the electric motor is activated when required. This differs from a fully electric vehicle as you have the reliability and performance of a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle as a backup if the electric supply runs low. This makes a hybrid car a practical choice in the era of environmental sustainability. People are becoming increasingly eco-conscious and want to reduce their environmental impact, and a hybrid is an effective way to do this.
What Do Hybrids Drive Like?
Concerns over driving performance are one of the key concerns motorists have and a reason why many are reluctant to switch. However, the transition from a traditional vehicle to a hybrid is seamless, and many motorists prefer driving a hybrid because of the instant torque, which ensures that there is no lag when you accelerate from a stoplight. Additionally, you will hardly hear the engine, which makes your driving experience much more peaceful, particularly on motorways.
How Do I Know if a Hybrid is Right for Me?
So, how do you know if a hybrid is right for you? When considering a hybrid, you should consider your commute and daily trips. In busy cities like Birmingham or London, hybrids are advantageous since full hybrids can operate on electric power at lower speeds (up to 40mph) and there are used car dealers in Wimbledon where you can find hybrids for sale. This helps you save on petrol and reduces your emissions. If you often drive on motorways and A roads, you may not see substantial savings.
Hybrids that meet Euro 5 emissions standards qualify for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge, which saves you £11.50 per day and around £2,000 annually. To meet the Euro 5 standard, your car must emit 75g/km or less of CO2. Other UK cities are likely to introduce Clean Air Zones as well. Drivers of older diesel and petrol vehicles face a £10 toxicity charge if their cars were registered before 2006 or do not meet Euro 4 emission standards.
Hopefully, the information in this post will be useful and help you make an informed decision about switching to a hybrid. It is important to carefully consider the decision and fully research the main types of hybrid, which include the Parallel Hybrid, the Range Extender, and the Plug-In hybrid.