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Hybrid and electric vehicles have taken the automotive market by storm in recent years, with a record 46,522 purchased in the UK last year.* But what sets hybrids apart from their petrol, diesel and pure electric counterparts?
What is a hybrid vehicle?
Essentially, hybrid vehicles are ones that use more than one means of propulsion, i.e. using a combination of a petrol engine and electric batteries (which run an electric motor) to power the car. Hybrids automatically select whether to run on electric or petrol, with the aim of increasing fuel economy. With full hybrid vehicles, the electric battery is recharged by the petrol engine. Whereas plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), as the name suggests, can be plugged into mains electricity to charge their batteries.
What are the benefits of hybrid vehicles?
1. They are cheaper to run
Because the electric motor either supports or substitutes the petrol engine – especially on short journeys – hybrid cars use less fuel than conventional vehicles. In Fact, moneysupermarket.com estimates that hybrids use between 15% and 30% less fuel per mile.** Hybrids are usually cheaper to tax too, and some models are exempt from the London congestion charge.
2. They are better for the environment
Being more fuel-efficient means that hybrids also generally emit less CO2 than petrol or diesel incarnations.
3. They can be cheaper to maintain
The general maintenance of hybrids can cost a similar amount to – if not less than – petrol or diesel counterparts, as they still include many similar components. However, due to the use of electric power in tandem with the combustion engine, there is likely to be less wear and tear on the engine and also the brakes over time. The batteries do eventually wear out, but most car manufacturers provide generous warranties for these.
4. Less range anxiety
A factor which prevents some people opting for a pure electric vehicle (EV) is that they are concerned about where they can charge their vehicle. Charging points are now more widespread but hybrids nonetheless quash any anxieties about range as they still use traditional fuelling stations. Full hybrid vehicles also charge up their own batteries.
5. They can produce better performance
Hybrids can actually provide better performance and speed than petrol and diesel vehicles. They offer an exciting, sporty experience, with the electric motor and petrol engine combining to produce high performance. Not convinced? Formula 1 are – they have been using hybrid technology for several years!
Why choose a hybrid over a pure electric vehicle?
If you are considering a hybrid or pure electric car as your next vehicle, then it is best to look at the types of journeys you regularly take. If most of your mileage comes from small city-based commutes, then both hybrid and electric cars will suit you – with a hybrid you’ll gain the most benefit from running on electric-only power.
Hybrids are a good compromise for people who take longer journeys in addition to those smaller commutes, and are concerned about where they could potentially charge an electric vehicle. Hybrids are still far less polluting than petrol and diesel cars, as well as being cheaper to run and maintain, and they can quell any “range anxiety” that might come with an EV.
Considering making the switch?
Full hybrid vehicles such as the Lexus RX Hybrid, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and the Ford Mondeo Hybrid, plus plug-in hybrid vehicles such as the Hyundai IONIQ PHEV, are all popular hybrid models across different vehicle styles – and they can all be found at your local Johnsons dealerships!
If you are considering making your next motor a hybrid one, why not pop into one of our dealerships to discuss your needs further?
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help. So please feel free to contact us.
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Johnsons Cars Limited is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts. Johnsons Cars LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activity and our registration number is 688450. Registered Name: Johnsons Cars Ltd. Registered Office: Empire Court, Albert Street Redditch Worcestershire B97 4DA. Registration No. 3716766 VAT Registration No. GB927551606
As an FCA regulated credit broker we can introduce you to a selected group of lenders / brokers (see below) who may be able to help you finance your purchase. This group of lenders / brokers provides us with a range of products which may be suitable for your purchase. We will explain the key features of those products to you.
Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited, Evolution Funding Limited, Santander Consumer (UK) plc, Honda Finance Europe PLC, CA Auto Finance UK Ltd, Suzuki Financial Services Limited, Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited, Hyundai Capital UK Limited, Stellantis Financial Services Uk Limited, Mazda Financial Services (UK) PLC, FCE Bank Plc, We are a credit broker and not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and their finance products, we act as their agent for this introduction. We are not an independent financial advisor; we will provide details of products available. We may advise you on the products, subject to your personal circumstances, though you are not obliged to take our advice or recommendation.
We do not charge you a fee for our services. we will typically receive commission from whichever lender we introduce you to (either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow).
Unless we consider it to be inappropriate given your personal circumstances, for certain vehicles e.g. New, our approach is to introduce you to the lender who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account interest rates, residual valuations (where applicable) and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, or the vehicle is not one that we would normally place with them we will introduce you to other lenders on our panel. The lender we introduce you to and available rates will depend upon a number of factors including: the vehicle, your personal circumstances and the likelihood of a lender to accept an application based on information provided.
Lenders typically pay a commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions; some lenders may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you would like to know the amount of any remuneration we have received from the finance provider, please ask us.
All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over, Guarantees may be required. View our full finance disclosure.
