Vehicles no longer all have disruptive engines that disturb neighbors, commuters, and others. Thanks to the advancement of technology, vehicles have improved, becoming more sophisticated and more eco-friendly. Hybrid cars are a type of eco-friendly vehicle that has received praise for the past 20 years. 

Hybrid cars have been around ever since the late 1990s but have only risen to popularity in the later years. A hybrid car uses a combination of two engines, an internal combustion engine which is either a gasoline or a diesel engine and an electric motor engine. These two engines can operate jointly or separately. However, before you replace your car with a hybrid car (HEV), read on its pros and cons below.

Pros

Hybrid cars are known to be the most fuel efficient cars on the market. Car experts claim that you can get about 48-60 mpg fuel efficiency with hybrid cars. This is because of the additional engine that helps power the vehicle. Because hybrid cars are fuel efficient, this also means that they are more environment friendly compared to the traditional cars. Toyota claims that their hybrid vehicles have up to 80% less carbon dioxide emissions than their other vehicles. 

Another great quality of hybrid cars is their lightweight quality. Hybrid cars are designed using lightweight materials so that the electrical energy from its battery would be able to power the vehicle. This means that maneuvering a hybrid car is easier and more comfortable.

The increased demand of hybrid cars on the market also makes this type of car a good investment, especially as the price of gas increases. You may be purchasing it at a higher price today, but its fuel efficiency and higher resale value will ensure that you are making a valuable financial investment. 

Cons

The main drawback of hybrid cars is their price. The demand for hybrid vehicles is high, with a price tag to match. Today, the most affordable hybrid car you could purchase on the market would cost about $20,000. Some hybrid cars are 20% more expensive than traditional cars, though you may be able to save a considerable amount on gas. However, if you are on a tight budget, the price for this type of car can seem steep. 

Not only are hybrid cars expensive to purchase, but their maintenance and repair are also costly. Not all mechanics are skilled in handling vehicles with dual engines, so it may be harder to find a professional mechanic that can service your vehicle. Additionally, when you find one, they could charge you more for the services. 

If you love fast cars, then hybrid cars are not the right vehicle for you. You may notice that your hybrid car lags a bit as you increase acceleration. Hybrid cars are designed for commuting purposes, not for racing. 

Are hybrid cars worth it?

Hybrid cars can be a good choice depending on how you would like to use the vehicle. If you are looking to purchase a vehicle for transportation purposes only, want to save on fuel, and would like to contribute to saving the environment, then a hybrid car is perfect for you.