Lately, it seems that almost every automaker is producing hybridized or all-electric versions of their most popular sedans, with electrically-assisted versions of the Hyundai Sonata and the Toyota Camry being good examples. Some carmakers have not yet taken the plunge, though, so sedans like the Nissan Altima remain in standard configuration at present. Still, if you’re shopping for a new family car with all the fuel economy benefits you’ve heard about, there’s a few extra advantages you may not know about these types of vehicles just yet that could sweeten the deal even more for you.
Idling is a thing of the past
One lesser-known advantage of hybrid cars is that they do not idle their gas engine, and whenever you pull to a stop, the combustion motor switches off to minimize fuel consumption and keep emissions to a minimum. On-board accessories are powered by the battery until the car is on the move again. This ensures improved miles per gallon, in comparison to full gasoline-powered options.
Tax credits and other incentives
Often with much higher starting prices, hybrids are known to have an MSRP a few thousand dollars more than gas iterations due to the complex technology under the sheet metal and how much more expensive they are to manufacture. But the powers-that-be in the USA are trying to encourage the purchase of these types of cars in order to decrease the environmental impact. For this reason, each state often offers additional incentives for buyers purchasing these types of cars, including tax rebates and discounted registration costs.
Teaching old dogs new tricks
Most don’t know that many of the modern hybrid cars have some kind of driving tutor installed to help the pilot get the most out of their vehicle. This includes urging them to pre-empt when they will need to brake instead of speeding and slamming to a stop. One great benefit of following this process is that in general, this will help you become a more frugal, efficiency-minded driver, with the added benefit of more conscientious driving as a spin-off of this.
Hybrid doesn’t mean boring
It used to be that when you said ‘hybrid car’, the immediate image conjured was of a bumbling Toyota Prius – less than appealing to look at, and even less desirable to drive. But with the advancement in technology, these cars are better looking than ever, with many boasting beautiful lines, futuristic aesthetics, and the appeal of a ‘less is more’ philosophy. One only needs to look at Tesla models to see this. Additionally, driving a hybrid or an EV can be thrilling, with an entire segment of hybrids that ensure potent performance via impressive horsepower and torque figures. Great examples of this include the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, which can sprint to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds in Turbo S guise, thanks to 670 hp and 663 lb-ft.
HOV Lane benefits
The high-occupancy vehicle lane in the States is generally restricted to those cars that have more than one occupant. The theory behind this is to encourage people to car-pool to reduce emissions by reducing the number of cars on the road. But, did you know that in some states, hybrid configurations get access to the HOV lane due to reduced tailpipe emissions? Now you don’t have to stare longingly at other cars zipping past you in the HOV lane when you’re all alone.
Great resale options
Trends indicate that used cars still outsell new cars in the US, and with a booming pre-owned car market, there are bound to be many hybrid options on sale too. And statistics have shown that these electrically-assisted cars hold their value much better than gas-fed derivatives from the same model year. This has a lot to do with how much tech goes into these vehicles, often having driver assists and advanced safety features additionally over combustion-only types; additionally, high-reliability ratings are common in the segment, too. This makes them sought after as pre-loved models.
