Should you buy a hybrid car and when? Our advice, 10 things to know before buying a hybrid car

10 things to know before buying a hybrid car

Before buying a hybrid car, it is important to know that this type of vehicle exists in two versions on the market. Each type of hybrid car has its own advantages and disadvantages of performance and energy efficiency . It is up to the buyer to find out before purchasing in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Should you buy a hybrid car ?

In a survey carried out in early September 2014 by the Argus in early September 2014, people on purchase intention were 12% to explain wanting to turn to a hybrid car, 15% among those over 60 years old. The figures will say later if these intentions come true because in fact, at the beginning of 2014, Hybrid occupied 3% of sales new cars in France. The trend was clearly upwards around these engines. State aid in the matter were no foreign. The hybrid market in 2019, has increased by 17.9% compared to 2018. In one year, it increased from 4.9 % to 5.7 %.

As a reminder, a hybrid car, who can be Hybrid petrol Or Diesel hybrid, Associates a heat engine with an electric motor. The latter plays a generator role that recovers energy from braking and deceleration, it transforms it into electricity and stores it in a battery. This energy is then used when the car starts or accelerates.

There are two technologies:

Auto-reloadable hybrid

Batteries of Auto-reloadable hybrid cars have a lower capacity than rechargeable hybrids. Indeed, their capacity is around 1 kWk. These vehicles can only travel A few kilometers at a maximum speed of 50 to 60 km/h in 100 % electric mode depending on the model. When the battery is empty the heat engine automatically takes the relay. During the driving in thermal mode, the battery recharges. As soon as the battery has recharged enough, the engine automatically switches to electric mode, and so on all along the route. This kind of engine does not require an electric charging station or socket.

This type of car will be preferred by drivers who travel small distances, Or circulate in an urban environment. Their price, depending on the model, is higher than essences or diesel cars. Indeed, it takes between 3,000 and 8,000 euros more.

The rechargeable hybrid

As the name suggests, the Rechargeable hybrid cars, have to be recharged with a domestic outlet Or on An electric charging station. It takes about 3/4 hours for an optimal and complete battery load with a capacity of around 9kWh. Their capacity makes it possible to browse a distance from 20 to 60 kilometers at a speed of about 120 to 130 km/h. Depending on whether or not peripheral equipment is used using the electrical energy of the vehicle, the climatic conditions or according to the driving mode, this will influence the distance that can be traveled in electric mode. When the battery is empty, it is the heat engine that takes over. With this engine, it is possible to choose the energy on which we want to drive. The driver can either drive in all electric, thermal or “mixed”. The car is equipped with a system that allows you to make the selection. Depending on the traffic conditions, he will thus be able to modify his choice. In “mixed” mode, the electric thermal switch is automatically done depending on the level of battery charging.

If the driver travels long distances, He will direct his choice to cars equipped with a rechargeable hybrid engine such as for example the Toyota Prius. They cost more to purchase (between 5,000 and 10,000 €) than its sister with self-reloadable hybrid..

In which circumstances Buy a hybrid car ?

The territory of the hybrid car is the city !

Toyota C-HR Hybrid

For technical reasons, the choice of hybrid is justified if you drive mainly in town. Indeed, the electric motor intervenes in support and to consume less mainly on the phases of acceleration and starting. It recharges during Braking phases and deceleration. Which means that on a long motorway journey, it presents a Intérêt hasssez marginal. On these cars like the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, the electric mode is inactive above 120 km/h.

The city is therefore the territory par excellence of hybrid cars. But a vehicle of this kind will also have its interest in areas where cars must regularly speed up and brake. This is the case for example in mountain or the places a bit hilly with some winding roads. However, you have to be a good roller to amortize the purchase cost that remains much higher than a petrol car. If you do a lot of town and drive 15,000 km a year, it is better to favor a small essence.

Reliable and not so expensive car as you would think

A little more expensive for purchase, hybrid cars are also deemed reliable. The battery changes (which are guaranteed) are relatively rare and there are a lot of prius with solid mileges, proof that the car holds the road and the distance. The purchase additional case also comes up with maintenance that is lower than on a diesel engine For example. Some parts require maintenance on a diesel do not appear on hybrid cars (accessory belt, clutch, starter, etc.).

Insurance also offer attractive rates for clean cars. State services too since the cost of gray cards is often reduced Even free for this kind of vehicle. Rather interesting therefore.

What brands and models in hybrid ?

Manufacturers use different hybrid technologies on their cars. With their advantage and disadvantages.

Toyota

Toyota has the system deemed to be the most successful. It works with a petrol engine and two electric motors that distribute energy on the front wheels. In 2013, it was the brand that sold best in France.

  • Yaris Hybrid (city dweller) (the best -selling in 2013)
  • Auris Hybrid (compact)
  • Auris Touring Sport Hybrid (Compact Break)
  • Prius hybrid (sedan)
  • Prius (7 -seater minivan)
  • C-HR Crossover)

Honda

Honda offers the system which, on paper, is the least expensive: an electric engine-alternator is between the engine and the carbox.

  • Honda Jazz (compact minivan)
  • Honda Cr-Z (coupe)
  • Honda Insight (sedan)

Peugeot

Finally, Peugeot offers its hybrid4 versions which have the distinction of being 4 -wheel drive cars. Indeed, the heat engine activates the front wheels and the electric motor activates the rear wheels. Consequence, the machine is a bit heavy and the technology.

Audi Q7 Hybrid

  • Peugeot 3008 (minivan)
  • Peugeot 508 and 508 SW (sedan and break)
  • Citroen DS5 (sedan)

Rechargeable hybrids

Some models operating with rechargeable hybrid technology:

  • Toyota Prius VHR
  • Fisker Karma
  • Volvo V60
  • Opel Ampera
  • Chevrolet Volt
  • Kia Niro

A booming second -hand market

With the development of hybrid car market, we find more and more used. As with any purchase of a car, it is advisable to check if vehicle maintenance was carried out correctly by approved professionals. Indeed, if the interview has not been done while compliance with the rules of the manufacturers, the owner then loses his warranty. While if the interview has been done well, If the vehicle sold is still under manufacturer’s warranty, it is transferable to the new buyer.

If this reading has made you think and want to find out aboutOther types of engines, Consult our pages dedicated to diesel or petrol engines, electric cars or equipped with a LPG device or even rolling in bioethanol.

10 things to know before buying a hybrid car

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  1. The different types of hybrid cars
  2. Car autonomy
  3. Higher initial costs
  4. Fuel economy
  5. Driving performance
  6. Specific maintenance of hybrid cars
  7. Loading limitations
  8. The availability of charging stations
  9. The environmental impact
  10. Access to tax incentives and subsidies

For a person in search of a more respectful means of transport of the planet, hybrid vehicles represent a good option. It is indeed an excellent solution to reduce its carbon footprint while achieving significant savings on the budget reserved for travel. However, you absolutely have to know and understand certain things to be able to take advantage of your purchase. If you plan to buy a hybrid car, this article will bring you useful information.

The different types of hybrid cars

Before buying a hybrid car, it is important to know that this type of vehicle exists in two versions on the market. Each type of hybrid car has its own advantages and disadvantages of performance and energy efficiency . It is up to the buyer to find out before purchasing in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

In general, a hybrid vehicle uses two different sources of energy to move. It indeed has two engines namely: an electric motor and a heat engine . It is therefore powered by electricity and fuel.

In practice, the electric motor operates the hybrid car until its battery is completely discharged. Consequently, the heat engine takes over to allow the driver to continue his journey without any problem.

When buying a hybrid car, the choice is made between the rechargeable hybrid and the strict hybrid . The first allows you to recharge the battery from an electric terminal. But, for the second, the energy of the battery is produced by the braking system and the heat engine. Regardless of the chosen version, fuel consumption is always lower. In addition, GHG emissions are considerably reduced.

Car autonomy

Hybrid cars offer the possibility of driving in electric mode on small journeys. However, it is important to check the autonomy of the vehicle before purchasing. Indeed, the data vary depending on the brand and the model.

A rechargeable hybrid car has higher electrical autonomy. It can therefore operate over a longer distance in fully electric mode. On the other hand, a strict hybrid car mainly uses the petrol engine. It still offers a certain electrical capacity, which is more limited.

To make the right choice, the buyer must take into account his needs and his driving habits.

Higher initial costs

Before taking out your bank card to buy a hybrid car, you should know that this type of vehicle has a slightly higher cost than that of conventional cars. This situation is indeed justified by the presence of a hybrid system composed of a thermal engine and an electric motor.

Due to their larger battery, rechargeable hybrids are often more expensive than strict hybrid cars. Maintenance costs should therefore be taken into account in order to avoid surprises.

However, the purchase of a hybrid car is a profitable long -term investment . Indeed, this type of vehicle allows you to achieve huge fuel savings.

Fuel economy

Whether rechargeable or strict, hybrid cars generally offer a better fuel savings compared to traditional vehicles. However, it is important to specify that rechargeable hybrids often have higher efficiency due to their greatest electrical operating capacity.

The fuel economy in question depends on certain factors such as the nature of journeys, driving style and driving conditions. It is for this reason that it is strongly recommended to read the official estimates of the automaker before making the purchase. This approach allows you to get a more or less realistic idea of ​​the fuel economy that can be achieved by opting for such or such a version of hybrid car.

Driving performance

In terms of driving performance, hybrid cars have experienced many improvements since their appearance. However, they remain what they are: a perfect combination of electrical energy and thermal energy.

Thanks to the combination of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, the rechargeable hybrid and strict hybrid cars generally offer solid performance. It should be noted, however, that the rechargeable hybrids have a higher power due to their more advanced electrical system.

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Specific maintenance of hybrid cars

Like any vehicle, hybrid cars require regular maintenance . To do this, you have to turn to a qualified professional. Thanks to its know-how, the latter will properly maintain the hybrid system, the electric motor and the car battery to allow the driver to avoid breakdowns on the road.

In order to guarantee the proper functioning of your hybrid car, it is recommended to observe the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to maintenance.

Loading limitations

Admittedly, hybrid cars save fuel. However, it is important to know that they have a loading limitation .

Indeed, given the integration of batteries, the loading space for hybrid cars is smaller. Fortunately, some models offer sufficient space to store equipment and luggage during journeys.

The availability of charging stations

It is true that hybrid cars do not completely depend on the electric battery to operate. However, they must be recharged. It is for this reason that it is recommended to ensure access to a charging station.

In France, it is more or less easy to recharge the electric battery from your rechargeable hybrid car. There are public reload terminals accessible at any time. Depending on the desires and the financial means, it is also possible to have a refill point at home installed.

The environmental impact

One of the main advantages of hybrid cars is their reduced environmental impact. Rechargeable hybrids work mainly in electric mode. These vehicles therefore have a lower carbon footprint . It is up to the buyer to assess the global environmental impact when he chooses his type of hybrid technology to contribute to the transition to more sustainable mobility .

Access to tax incentives and subsidies

With the aim of encouraging ecological transition, governments and other organizations offer subsidies to buy environmentally friendly vehicles. In France, the purchase of a hybrid car provides access to financial aid such as tax credit, VAT reduction, conversion bonus, etc.

However, it is important to know that the amounts and the conditions of access can largely vary depending on various factors. It is up to everyone to find out about the policies in force in their region in order to benefit from possible financial advantages.

In summary, before buying a hybrid car, it is essential to conduct in -depth research to understand all the considerations specific to this type of vehicle. By taking into account the ten elements presented in this article, it becomes easy to choose a vehicle adapted to its needs.

Should you buy a hybrid car ?

At the time of the energy transition, the manufacturers have had no choice but to adopt all possible technologies to decarbonize their vehicles. Besides 100% electric vehicles, we see an offer of hybrid cars that are ever more bloated. Is it useful to drive in hybrid car, are they an effective alternative ? Are they reliable ? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the hybrid vehicle ? We will detail this solution for you.

What is a hybrid vehicle ?

A hybrid vehicle is equipped with a main thermal engine (number of cylinders, displacement and different powers depending on the model) and a secondary electric engine.

For the majority of models, the operation is as follows: the heat engine causes the wheels and the electric motor shoulders its acceleration. For low -speed rolling, the car operates in 100% electric mode. Thus, the vehicle does not consume fuel and drastically decreases its overall pollution. This remains very effective in a parking lot, in a traffic jam, in an area limited to 30 km/h or in town within 50 km/h.

The electric motor needs a battery that must be recharged with a dedicated charging station. The battery is often housed in the trunk, under the floor, instead of the spare wheel or under the rear seat. Most hybrid vehicles recharge their battery thanks to the kinetic energy recovery system (deceleration or braking phases). Then the heat engine is simply used as a generator to recharge the battery.

But there are also rechargeable hybrid vehicles (PHEV: “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). In this case, the batteries are larger and the electric motor is a little more powerful. By recharging it on a terminal, we ensure that we can have better autonomy as soon as it started.

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Consume less thanks to the hybrid vehicle

This is certainly the first major asset of hybrid vehicles, their overall fuel consumption. These vehicles are much more economical than their 100% thermal counterparts (petrol or diesel).

When starting and at very low speed (up to 50 km/h on average), only the electric motor is used to move the vehicle. Beyond that, the petrol engine takes over to make greater distances and be able to have a little more power.

And all the interest of the ecological effort of the hybrid car lies in its ability to reduce its polluting emissions in the phases where it pollutes the most. Indeed, when the car is at total stop, the energy expenditure to set in motion the vehicle is the highest, therefore that which requires a high consumption of fuel. Ditto in urban areas where the engine is requested on many use beaches (high and low regimes), due to the many gear ratio changes. This is the most critical phase, which requires the most efforts from a heat engine in opposition to regular rhythms on long journeys where there is only little engine speed change (long national, highways, etc.).

And while you are driving in gasoline, the electric motor recharges, providing you with low CO2 emissions and limited fuel consumption. However, these are not the only advantages of hybrid cars:

  • No need to recharge the battery (Depending on the model): Unlike some received ideas, a hybrid vehicle does not need to be connected to a terminal to recharge its battery. Thus, this does not upset the driver’s habits since everything is identical to a classic petrol or diesel car. The car battery is autonomous, it automatically manages the engine assistance phases, and energy regeneration. Apart from the so -called “rechargeable” models, which can be connected to recharge the battery (a completely discharged battery does not prevent using the vehicle, but greatly reduces its interest).
  • Respect for Crit’Air vignettes: With a hybrid vehicle, you have no problems doing with the Crit’Air vignettes. The latter benefit from the best category, in other words, you can circulate everywhere in France, even during pollution peaks.
  • Low fuel consumption: thanks to its two engines, the hybrid vehicle consumes less than a conventional thermal vehicle. This difference is notorious during accelerations where the electric motor shoulders the petrol engine. You will also be more economical in town, where stops, starts, and low -speed circulation are omnipresent, because all its phases only use the electric motor. If the vast majority of your journeys are in town, then the hybrid will allow you to consume significantly less.
  • The hybrid is more ecological than the heat engine : thanks to the electric motor which allows a reduced fuel consumption, driving a hybrid vehicle, it is therefore also emitting less CO2.
  • Reduction on insurance premiums: insurance rewards vehicles concerned with the environment by applying a lower insurance premium than a thermal vehicle.
  • Higher user comfort: one of the advantages of the hybrid vehicle is its comfort of use. At low speed in town, or in deceleration, you will benefit from total silence in the vehicle since the heat engine does not work. So you produce less noise pollution in your neighborhood, and can enjoy a great calm on board. Also note that all the hybrids on the market do not have a clutch pedal and rid the driver of the geargage for a more fluid driving.

What reliability for a hybrid vehicle ?

Having such a complex system in a car makes it more vulnerable to different mechanical breakdowns ? Is it as reliable as a simple thermal vehicle ?

There are many examples of hybrid vehicles that display record reliability, and even if the battery can decrease on its load and autonomy capacity, this remains measured and generally intervenes after a few years (beyond the average age a vehicle in the French car fleet).

Disadvantages to hybrid vehicles ?

There are a lot of advantages to choose a hybrid vehicle, but the few drawbacks should not be obscured, some of which could hold them rigorous.

  • The cost to the higher purchase: Yes, the average price of a hybrid vehicle is higher than its thermal counterpart. It is necessary to calculate its profitability threshold and for people who only make small annual mileage, it is not very profitable.
  • A decreased on -board space: especially present on the first versions of hybrid vehicles where the integration of batteries was delicate, the latest models make this association less problematic for the storage space. Nevertheless on certain models where the space of the trunk is already reduced, a hybrid model can accentuate this phenomenon.
  • A higher weight: With the weight of the battery, hybrid vehicles are on average heavier than their petrol counterparts, this has little impact in daily use but it is an element to take into account if you prefer to handle light cars.
  • Little interest outside the major cities: Indeed, if you live in a rural environment, the interest of the hybrid car can be much less than an urban environment.
  • Watch out for pedestrians: in the driving phases in 100% electric mode, watch out for pedestrians that could not hear your vehicle. If the driver can quickly take his marks with this silent mode, this is not the case with pedestrians.
  • More thermal energy in winter: in cold weather, hybrid batteries take more time to reach their operating temperature, which obliges the internal combustion engine to spend more energy.

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Bonuses and bonuses for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle

If classic hybrid cars (non-reloadable) have not benefited from the ecological bonus since 2017, they are nevertheless still eligible for conversion bonus, also known as a bonus.

This amount, of 1,000 to 5,000 €, is assigned to the applicant according to his income and according to the type of vehicle purchased.

  • For a taxable household, a bonus of € 2,500 for purchase can be granted for a hybrid vehicle.
  • For a non-taxable household, whose tax reference income per share is less than € 13,489, a preferential scale is applied, and can benefit from a premium of € 5,000 for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle.
  • A premium has also been set up for small income and large rollers (non-taxable), which can also claim a bonus of € 5,000 in order to buy an electric vehicle.

Regarding the scrap premium, the online simulator “Simulation of Simulation 2022” (on service-public service.fr) lets you know immediately whether or not you correspond to the eligibility criteria.

The ecological bonus for rechargeable hybrid cars

The ecological bonus is always valid for rechargeable hybrid vehicles. The bonus is 1000 euros until January 1, 2023. The amount varies according to:

– your income (reference tax income)
– The price of the car
-your location (metropolis or dom-com)
– Purchase of a new or used vehicle

The hybrid car: the right one included

The hybrid car is the best understood, Perfect synthesis with a view to better respecting the environment. We can take advantage of the advantages of the two propulsion modes. Be much less polluting in urban areas thanks to the electric motor, and having a power and autonomy for longer courses. All in comfort and uses of the automobile which do not change compared to thermal vehicles.

If this is the choice you want to make, do not hesitate to contact us to make an appointment with an advisor or to watch the list of our Vehicles available immediately purchase.

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