Even though oil and gas prices have been at multi-year lows lately, it is inevitable that they eventually will go back up. One way you can hedge your bets is to drive a hybrid vehicle. SUch a vehicle gives you many advantages over driving a traditional automobile.
One of the biggest advantages to owning hybrid cars is the fuel economy. On average, gas-electric hybrids are about 20-35% more fuel efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles, which will save you money in the long run and help you recoup the cost of buying a hybrid, which typically costs 15-25% more than a regular automobile.
Another advantage to driving a hybrid car is that you help the environment. Hybrids decrease harmful carbon emissions about 25-35% compared with a traditional gas-powered automobile. Not only will that help you assuage your conscious, it also can have tangible benefits, reducing costs associated with pollution-related health problems and other issues.
There are potential ancillary benefits to owning a hybrid auto. One is lower insurance costs. Some insurers give discounts for hybrid vehicles because research shows they are less likely to be involved in an accident. Another is the potential for tax incentives. The federal government and some U.S. states give tax incentives to people who buy hybrid cars to help lower the cost.
Despite all their potential benefits, hybrid cars do have some drawbacks. They can have higher maintenance costs, and one of the reasons is the hybrid battery. Hybrids need a battery to produce the electricity that helps the car conserve gasoline, and that battery often wears out before the car does. Replacing a hybrid battery, such as the Honda Insight ima battery, can be expensive. Repair of a Honda Insight ima or other hybrid battery also can be expensive but it is likely to happen. If you own your hybrid vehicle at least 10 years or if you buy a used hybrid, you are likely to need to spend money on hybrid battery repair or replacement.
These are among the many pros and cons you have to consider when looking at whether to buy a hybrid vehicle. Such an automobile is better for the environment and will save you money on fuel, but it also costs more to buy and could cost you a significant amount in repair costs down the road.
