There’s a hybrid for everyone out there. Whether you want one to maximize fuel efficiency on your daily commute or enhance your weekend fun, you can find one. Let’s understand more.
What is a Hybrid?
It is a car that uses a standard gas engine and electric motor(s) to generate power. There’s a wide range available today. Some combine electric and gas power to maximize fuel efficiency or to boost performance, while others use the gas engine to charge the battery and only let the electric motor move the car.
You can get a hybrid that charges its battery via capturing energy that is usually dissipated through heat while braking. Or you can get one that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet to charge its battery. These plug-in hybrids or PHEVs can travel up to 55 miles on battery power alone, so if your commute is short, you never have to use the gas engine. It’s almost like a fully electric car.
Hybrid or PHEV?
If you don’t have access to a charging outlet at home or at work, then you’re better off with a standard hybrid. You use it like a standard gas-powered car. All you need to learn is how to use regenerative braking and other tools to maximize fuel efficiency. If you can charge it at home or work, then you can drive without gas almost all the time. Your commute will be emission-free, and you’ll never spend on gas again unless it’s an emergency. You should know that PHEVs aren’t very efficient when they’re using the gas engine.
Body Styles
The early hybrids had sleek designs to optimize aerodynamics for maximum efficiency. Now they look like every other car on the road. The Toyota Corolla and Honda Insight both have hybrid versions that look like their regular versions. Same for the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. You also have compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander, each with a hybrid version. If you want a luxury vehicle, check Lexus for the UX 250h and LS500h, BMW has PHEV versions of the 3 Series, 5 Series, and X3.
