Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and this trend can be linked to higher government standards for fuel economy. The Obama administration has already finalized regulations that will require automakers to produce vehicles that can get at least 55 miles per gallon. Hybrid vehicles are often confused with electric vehicles, which is an honest mistake because, like electric cars, hybrids can run entirely on electricity stored in batteries. The difference is that, as the name suggests, hybrid vehicles have a gasoline engine and an electric motor that can power the vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of driving a hybrid vehicle, like anything else there are pros and cons but this article will only focus on the benefits created by driving a hybrid vehicle.
- Greater driving ranges. This is one of the most convenient benefits, especially if your schedule is busy and time is precious to you. On average, most gasoline vehicles have a range of 350 miles to 500 miles per fill. Currently, some hybrids can be driven up to 600 miles between fill-ups.
- Tax credits. Hybrid vehicles are undoubtedly more expensive than conventional cars and that is why the government gives tax credits to people who buy hybrid vehicles. There are many resources on the internet related to hybrid vehicle tax credits that are out of date and the easiest way to check whether or not a vehicle is eligible is to go directly to the IRS website.
- Reduce carbon footprint. If you’re environmentally conscious, this is what you’ve been waiting for! Not only does it have a fuel-efficient gasoline engine, but your vehicle can get you where you need to go with zero tailpipe emissions, which I’m sure means fewer greenhouse gases being generated.
- Less money spent on fuel. Sure you can argue that the number is a repeat of number one, but seriously, the biggest benefit of owning a hybrid is that they use less fuel. Cost versus benefit calculators that allow buyers to get a better idea of how long it would take to see real savings and the answer is that the moment you start driving a hybrid, your gas mileage will go down.
Hybrid vehicles are just one of the alternatives car buyers have when choosing a new car, and today there are thousands of people who have decided to spend their money on hybrid technology. Hybrids only make up a small percentage of sales even though they offer many benefits, but it’s safe to say alternative fuel vehicles will continue to rise in popularity.