Are Hybrid Cars Worth It? The Surprising Truth…

If you’re considering buying a hybrid car, then you’ve probably already considered the cost as well as the environmental benefits of doing so.

The latest hybrids on the market get the equivalent of 50 to 60 miles per gallon, which can save you thousands of dollars in gas costs over time.

But what do you do if your daily driving doesn’t allow you to go 50 miles between fill-ups? Are hybrid cars worth it?

Read this article to learn more about whether or not hybrid cars are worth it for your lifestyle and needs.

Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?

For some people, fuel savings aren’t an issue as they have another car for long distances. Other consumers choose a hybrid because of its higher safety ratings, which makes sense if you have a family and are driving a lot of miles each week.

If fuel savings are important to you, then hybrids will absolutely be worth it—especially since gas prices continue climbing upward.

After all, most hybrid models offer fuel economy that’s 25 percent higher than non-hybrid vehicles with similar horsepower and cargo capacity.

From there, you can make further calculations on exactly how much money will be saved over time.

What to Consider When Buying A Hybrid Car:

There are several factors that make a hybrid car an appealing option for buyers. Aside from being environmentally friendly, hybrids are also very fuel-efficient. So you won’t be spending as much at gas stations.

However, there are a few disadvantages to consider before making your decision. To get an idea of what kind of impact owning a hybrid car will have on your wallet, you should weigh these five considerations

Cost Of Purchase

Hybrids are more expensive than regular cars. A hybrid might cost anywhere from $2,000- $4,000 more than a comparable vehicle. 

Rebates and Tax Incentives

Hybrid cars are more expensive up front, however, many governments offer incentives for people who buy efficient vehicles that reduce emissions.

For example, in California and some other states, you can get rebates of up to $5,000 toward new hybrid or electric vehicles. There are also federal tax credits available (up to $7,500) that may offset some of your purchase prices depending on how much you earn.

If you qualify for these rebates and tax credits then hybrids could be worth it just based on immediate financial benefits.

Maintenance Costs

Hybrids can be more expensive to maintain than some cars, but they’re far cheaper on average than gas-guzzling SUVs.

Hybrids need regular oil changes, new brakes and other routine maintenance items like all cars. However, most hybrids today have longer service intervals. In other words, you don’t have to take them in for oil changes as often as you would a normal car (they can go up to 10,000 miles or even 15,000 between checks). That also means fewer trips to the mechanic or dealer service department!

Gas Savings

Hybrids can save you a substantial amount of money on gas!

A Toyota Prius is probably one of the best-known hybrids out there, and with good reason: it has an average fuel economy of over 60 mpg in highway driving. For someone who drives 15,000 miles per year, that translates into over $1,000 in fuel savings per year. So yes, a hybrid can pay for itself (or most of itself) in gas savings alone!

Your Driving Habits

If you only drive your car mostly in urban areas, going hybrid will make more sense. Long-distance drives on the highway with hybrids can lower fuel efficiency because the regenerative braking isn’t being used as frequently.

Also, keep in mind that hybrid cars are not race cars! They are not meant for constant fast acceleration and aggressive driving. For that, you’d better get a traditional gas car.

The last thing is that hybrid cars are meant to be driven regularly and not stored for months in a garage! Low mileage is fine as long as it is regularly driven! If you’re planning to keep your car in the garage for an extended period of time, you’d better get a regular gas car.

Is a Hybrid Car Better Than a Fully Electric Car?

Though the technology is getting better and better, electric cars are still more expensive to purchase upfront than hybrid cars. It is true that in the long term, all cars will be electric. But Electric cars are still more expensive than hybrid cars.

Do Hybrid Cars Cost More To Maintain?

In general, hybrids require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts. For example, as you use the engine less often, you don’t need an oil change as often as a regular gas car. The same thing for the brake, as you are using regenerative braking, your brakes last way longer. As a result, over the long run, hybrid cars can actually be cheaper to maintain. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. In a hybrid, there are 2 special hybrid maintenance, but there are very easy to do.

1. You need to clean the high voltage fan filter located near the passenger seats.
2. The coolant of the additional cooling system needs to be replaced.

That’s it!

We are talking low cost compared to a regular gas car. Overall a hybrid car will save you money even on maintenance.

Can Hybrid Cars Run On Electricity Only?

The distance that a hybrid car can travel on electricity depends on a number of factors, including the size of the battery and the conditions of the roads. In general, however, most hybrid cars that are chargeable can travel between 20 and 30 miles on electricity alone. After the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine will kick in and power the car until it can be recharged. This makes hybrids very efficient cars, and they are becoming increasingly popular as a result.

For the hybrid cars that are not chargeable, you may expect to run for 1 or 2 miles on electricity only.

How Often Are Replace The Battery And Much Is A Hybrid Car Battery?

Batteries will eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, most hybrid batteries are designed to last for many years. Many automakers offer warranties of 8 years or 100,000 miles, and some batteries may last even longer. As a result, drivers of hybrid cars can usually go 15 years without having to replace their batteries.

Depending on the make and model of the hybrid, replacement batteries can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. While the cost of a new battery can be a significant expense, it’s important to remember that hybrid batteries typically last for several years. In fact, many owners report getting over 150,000 miles out of their hybrid batteries before needing a replacement. As a result, the long-term costs of owning a hybrid are often lower than those of owning a traditional gas-powered car.