If you’re trying to think of a new eco-friendly way to travel to work, but can’t quite face cycling in, why not invest in a Hybrid car? Here we take a look at the benefits of owning a Hybrid, comparing them to both electric and fuel cars, in order to help you decide whether or not a Hybrid is the right car for you.
How does it work?
A Hybrid car runs on both electricity and gasoline, in order to reduce your emissions and save you money on fuel. When driving at slow speeds, the electric motor kicks in, and whilst traveling at steady, high speeds, the gas-powered engine is the primary source of energy. The two energy sources can also work together, when in need of a boost.
So, here’s Pass Smart’s guide to owning a Hybrid.
Eco-friendly factors
The Hybrid car is significantly more eco-friendly than a standard gas-powered car. Producing less emissions, and running off electricity rather than the dwindling supply of fossil fuels, it combines practicality with being environmentally friendly.
What’s more, when a Hybrid car is crawling through traffic, the gas engine doesn’t needlessly run. It does, instead, use electric power when the driver steps on the gas pedal to crawl forwards. So there’ll be no more stopping and starting your engine!
Comparing the electric car with the Hybrid
Whilst the electric car is undoubtedly the most eco-friendly vehicle you can buy, there are a few practicality issues. The electric car, for example, requires frequent charging via plug-in. Not only does this make long journeys difficult, but plug-in stations can also be hard to find.
Most Hybrid’s, on the other hand, recharge their batteries whilst running on engine power as opposed to being plugged in.
Teaching you to drive efficiently
Of course, you don’t have to be driving an electric or Hybrid car in order to be an eco-friendly driver. Gentle braking and acceleration – in any car – will improve your fuel efficiency, but in a Hybrid car you can really feel the difference. Instead of challenging yourself to pull away faster than the guy next to you at the lights, moving off as efficiently as possible will become a daily eco-friendly driving task.
Where are you driving?
Whether or not buying a Hybrid is the right move for you depends largely on where and how far you travel. They’re great for inner-city driving, so if your daily commute involves lots of stopping and starting, a Hybrid could be the way forward. Charge while you’re waiting, and avoid all those harmful emissions as the engine stops and starts itself.
Another benefit of having a gas engine that doesn’t run whilst stopped or traveling at low speeds, is that your engine is doing less, and, therefore, will need less looking after. As a result, you can expect to spend less in the long run on maintaining your car.
Buying a new car involves a lot of thought, so before splashing out on a brand new vehicle you want to be sure that you’re making the right decision. As society gets more environmentally friendly, everyone is thinking of ways to improve their carbon footprint. So, If you’re looking for an eco-friendly yet practical car, a Hybrid may be the perfect choice.
This eco-friendly guest post was written for Eco-Office Gals by Izzy from PassSmart.com.
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