What is a Hybrid Car?

What is a Hybrid Car?

Are you looking for a more affordable Provo commute? Then a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid may be just the ticket. But what is a hybrid car? One hybrid car definition is “an automobile which uses an electric motor to aid the combustion engine and increase fuel efficiency.” That combination of a gas engine with an electric motor result in the increased fuel efficiency that typically comes from a hybrid car, meaning you can count on one of these vehicles for better gas mileage. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

What is a Hybrid Car? A Hybrid Car Definition

You may have noticed while shopping for electrified vehicles that there is more than one kind of hybrid vehicle. What is a hybrid car as opposed to a plug-in hybrid? Both types of hybrids combine gas engines with electric motors but work a little differently. Here is a hybrid car definition of each type:

• HybridCar – In this type of hybrid, the electric battery is powered by the gas engine, which, in turn, is assisted by the electric motor in the hybrid car, meaning there’s no need to plug it in.
• Plug-In Hybrid – A plug-in hybrid, like the Toyota Prius Prime, has an extra power pack that enables the vehicle to run for a short distance in electric-only mode. These cars do need to be plugged in to charge. They also offer even better gas mileage, making for the most economical morning commute.

The Upsides and Downsides of Hybrid Cars

There are pros and cons to buying a hybrid car, just as there are pros and cons to anything else. But we think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages for most Lehi drivers. Here are the advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits of Hybrid Cars:

• Federal tax credits
• Significant fuel savings
• 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Mazda hybrid battery
• Less impact on the environment

Disadvantages of Owning Hybrid Cars:

• Upfront cost – These cars sometimes come with a higher price tag than their conventional counterparts.
• Maintenance costs – Hybrid cars require much of the same maintenance as gas-powered cars since they have gas engines. Additionally, the hybrid battery will eventually need to be replaced and can cost $2,000 or more. However, with the 8 year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, you will likely trade the car in before the battery reaches its end of life.
• Not-quite-zero emissions – Some gasoline is used in the operation of a hybrid car, meaning these vehicles do produce some emissions, though not as many as a conventional gas vehicle.

Check Out the Hybrid Vehicles at Orem Toyota of Orem

Why not come down and test drive one or more of these hybrids, so you can experience their impressive performance for yourself? We’d be happy to get you behind the wheel of your next vehicle. And, if you’d like to learn more, check out our post on the Toyota Hybrid lineup. Our dealership is conveniently located near Draper. We’re here to help, so contact us today!