If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be considering all the eco-friendly options that are now available. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding if a hybrid is the right vehicle for you.
Spending less money on gas
Hybrid cars use both gas and electricity and will reduce the amount of money you’re spending at the gas pump. With fuel prices fluctuating so much, this can be especially beneficial for you and your wallet.
In addition to their electric batteries, hybrid vehicles have many special features that maximize efficiency. For example, they can generate electricity from the friction of the brakes and use power from the gas engine for assistance.
Plug-in hybrids can be plugged into an outlet and charged at home overnight. You may be concerned that charging your car at home may heavily increase your electricity bill, but not to worry. Even with the added electricity usage, you’ll still end up saving money from cutting down on gas.
High efficiency with low environmental impact
We spend a lot of time in our cars in traffic, waiting at stop lights and navigating narrow downtown areas where you aren’t able to go above thirty miles per hour. Hybrid vehicles shut off when you come to a complete stop and then restart when you begin to accelerate again. This means that you’re not using as much gas while also reducing your impact on the environment.
You may qualify for rebate incentives
While the state of Texas does require all vehicles that use gasoline to undergo emissions testing, you may still qualify for rebate incentives. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality can provide rebates for both hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The amount may vary, and there is a statutory limit on the available funding—so if you qualify, you should take advantage fast.
Potential disadvantages
Hybrid cars can be more expensive than their gas-guzzling counterparts, so if you’re on a tight budget, have a very short commute, or in general don’t drive much (which would minimize your savings on gas), then it may not make financial sense to buy one—for now.
However, if other factors outweigh cost for you, make sure to find a hybrid model that comes with a good battery warranty.
