Hybrid Cars
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid vehicle utilises both a conventional combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and an electric motor. The electric element can work in conjunction with the combustion element to provide additional power or, if required, operate on the electric element independently for a short period of time. Hybrids include Lexus RC, Toyota C-HR and Lexus IS.
What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid can be charged both on the move or by plugging it into an electric power outlet. Whereas a conventional hybrid creates the electricity as you drive. PHEVs use similar technology to a hybrid; however, a PHEV offers bigger battery capacity than regular hybrids. This means they can be driven longer distances than hybrids on electric power alone. PHEVs include BMW 530e, Mini Countryman (PHEV) and Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV).
What is a mild hybrid car?
When looking at hybrid cars, you may have come across the term 'mild hybrid' and wondered what it means. Well, like with a full hybrid, a mild hybrid uses an electric motor alongside a combustion engine. However, in a mild hybrid, the electric motor is only there to assist the engine and therefore isn't capable of solely electric driving. Mild hybrids offer reduced fuel consumption but not as much as full hybrids do. Although, mild hybrids tend to be available at a lower cost due to having fewer complex components than a full hybrid.These factors should be considered when choosing if a mild hybrid or full hybrid is ideal for you.
Benefits of Hybrid Cars
-Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) tax on hybrid company cars is less than on petrol or diesel cars.
-In London, cars producing under 75g/km of CO2 qualify for a congestion charge exemption.
-Unlike a fully electric car, range anxiety isn’t a problem with hybrid cars.
-A Hybrid car needs less fuel to run, meaning lower fuel costs.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars
Here's a few points to consider when deciding if a hybrid car is for you:-
-Hybrids often have less power than petrol or diesel cars. Therefore, this won't be a suitable car for speed and acceleration.
-Hybrid cars tend to be more expensive than petrol cars. Although, running costs of a hybrid are lower, so this is definitely something worth thinking about.
-Although battery replacement of hybrid vehicles is rare, when they do need replacing it can be expensive.
When choosing your new vehicle, it's important to consider which type of car would be suitable for your lifestyle and requirements. Generally, customers tend to opt for a two or three years leasing contract, so it's important to consider if your lifestyle or circumstances are likely to change during this period. This will help to ensure the vehicle you choose will be suitable for the full term of your contract.
If you're looking for a greener form of transport but don't think a full electric car is right for you, then there’s a superb selection of hybrid vehicles available instead. Contact our hybrid leasing specialists on 0161 667 5338. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have and talk through the options available to you.
