Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular and more common nowadays. And this is quite understandable because a modern hybrid can bring an absolutely new experience for the owner. In addition, hybrids are a new stage in the evolution of automotive technology. 

Nevertheless, today the world of drivers is divided into two camps. One of them claims that hybrids are the future of the automotive world, and the other simply doesn’t recognize a car except for diesel or gasoline.

Below you can learn more about hybrid cars, their pros, and their cons. 

How does a hybrid car work?
What is a hybrid vehicle? This is a car that uses two or more engines, that is, electric and conventional gasoline or diesel engines. The electric engine runs at lower speeds and the combustion engine runs at higher speeds. A hybrid car like the Toyota Prius and Civic Hybrid not only saves fuel but also reduces carbon emissions.

Although hybrid technology was developed in the early 1900s, the manufacturers started implementing this technology about a decade ago. There are also government hybrid purchase incentive programs that use credits and special discounts to support the purchase and use of hybrid vehicles. Many cities are converting their public utility vehicles to hybrid engines as part of their sustainability programs. 

HV battery life
The batteries in modern hybrids are designed for at least 95,000 miles while some can serve up to 150,000 miles or more. If you are the owner of a new hybrid vehicle, chances that you’ll have to replace the battery are low because it wears out slowly.

However, hybrid batteries aren’t protected from environmental influence. Like any other part of a car, they can fail unexpectedly. This is why car manufacturers provide long battery pack warranties. For example, the battery pack in a Toyota Prius is guaranteed for 95,000 miles. After the guarantee has ended, you can visit a hybrid car repair and replace a battery for a reasonable price.

The cost of a new battery pack for various hybrid models continues to decline and is now around $3,000. But remember that the battery should be replaced by a professional. There are strict rules for the handling and disposal of old batteries, which can be sources of hazardous substances.

How do you know it's time for a new battery? Everything is simple because your car will tell you about it. Because modern hybrids work under the close monitoring of the onboard computers, you will always be aware that the battery needs to be replaced. Besides, you will also be able to quickly find out information about any problems with your car.

Cons of hybrid cars
Some of the common disadvantages of hybrid cars are listed below:
- Less power. Hybrid cars use two independent engines, with the gasoline engine serving as the main source of power. The two engines in the car mean that neither the gasoline engine nor the electric motor will be as powerful as in conventional gasoline or electric vehicles. The result is less power, making cars unsuitable for dynamic acceleration.
- Expensive purchase. The first limiting factor for many people is the high cost of hybrid vehicles, which is generally $5,000 to $10,000 higher than for conventional vehicles. However, this is a one-time investment that will pay off over time.
- Difficult to handle. Hybrid cars have more nodes than conventional cars. The extra weight in vehicles reduces fuel efficiency. Therefore, hybrids have to compromise and reduce engine displacement and battery size.
- High operating costs. Hybrid vehicles can be cumbersome to repair and maintain due to the twin engines, continuous advances in technology, and high maintenance costs. Since the use of hybrid vehicles as consumer vehicles is fairly new, it may not be an easy task to find a repair service with the necessary experience.
- High voltage batteries. In case of an accident, the high voltage contained in the batteries can be fatal. The presence of such high voltages increases the risk that passengers could be severely injured by electricity. In addition, the work of rescuers in the case of an accident is also more difficult.

Pros of hybrid cars
Switching to a hybrid vehicle also has many benefits. Here is some of them:
- Environmental friendliness. One of the main reasons public and private organizations are switching to hybrid vehicles is because they run on green energy sources. The electric and petrol engines work together to reduce fuel consumption,saving your budget.
- Economical. To promote hybrid vehicles, governments in many countries are providing several loans for those looking to switch to a hybrid car. They are also subject to exemption from toll road tolls and significantly fewer tax payments annually in addition to low fuel costs.
- Less dependence on fossil fuels. With an electric motor, a hybrid vehicle needs fewer fossil fuels, resulting in lower emissions and less dependence on fossil fuels. Due to this, a decrease in gasoline expenses can also be expected.
- Regenerative braking system. The interesting thing about hybrid cars is that every time you apply the brakes while driving, the electric battery recharges a little.
- Higher resale value. As gasoline becomes more expensive, more and more people are switching to hybrid vehicles. This has led to a significant increase in the resale value of such vehicles. If you switch to a hybrid vehicle and aren’t satisfied with it, you can always resell it to someone looking for a similar vehicle and get a pretty high price tag.