The benefits of hybrid cars
Key takeaways:
Hybrids offer a great middle ground between electric power and traditional internal combustion engines. The advantages of hybrid cars include:
- More fuel savings
- Lower emissions
- More charging convenience
- Better driving experience
- No range anxiety
Hybrid cars have been in our lives for more than 20 years and have come a long way since then. Today’s hybrids can handle both short trips and long journeys. They’ll take on both start-stop city driving and rugged terrains adventures. They’ll go wherever you go. So, if you’re intrigued by what these cars can really do, we’ve put the hybrid benefits under a microscope so you can make the best choice.
How does a hybrid car work?
Hybrid vehicles are powered by both a combustion engine and an electric motor. These two components will either work together or separately, depending on the car. The combustion engine could either be petrol or diesel and it might even be smaller thanks to the electric motor.
A full hybrid, like our Crosstrek, can run on both the petrol and electric motor alone. A mild hybrid, however, uses an electric motor to assist the combustion engine but cannot run on the electric motor on its own.
What are the benefits of a hybrid vehicle?
1. Fuel savings
Cost is probably the first thing that comes to mind for drivers wondering whether hybrid cars are worth it. The good news is that full hybrids are among the most fuel-efficient cars out there. They use two power sources: an electric motor and a combustion engine. So, you won’t need to visit the petrol station as often. Hybrids use less fuel than a traditional internal combustion engine, on both short and long trips. Even though their efficiency shines in city driving, the electric motor can give extra power to the combustion engine when driving steadily at high speeds on the motorway.
Fuel economy ratings:
- Hybrid model: City: 36.8 MPG, Motorway: 42.4 MPG
- Non-hybrid model: City: 32.8 MPG, Motorway: 39.6 MPG 2.
2. Lower emissions
One of the benefits of a hybrid vehicle is that they produce lower emissions thanks to the electric motor. This means less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere whilst on the road.
There is some variation in how much CO2 a hybrid car produces but according to Age Co, hybrid vehicles create 174(g/km) and plug-in hybrids produce 35.1 (g/km) in the UK. This compares to the average fuel-run car which produces around 193 grams of CO2 (g/km) for petrol cars and 170 g/km for diesel cars. Each hybrid car produces significantly fewer CO2 emissions, making them better for the environment.
3. More charging convenience
A self-charging hybrid, like our Crosstrek and the all-new Forester SUVs, uses clever technology to charge the electric motor as you drive. This means you can explore both cities and the wilderness without worrying about finding a charging point.
These hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking that recharges the battery as the brake pedal is pressed, meaning that the energy used within the car’s functions is recycled.
4. Less maintenance costs for brakes and tyres
Another great advantage of hybrids is that due to regenerative braking technology the wear and tear on brakes and tyres is reduced, leading to lower maintenance costs.
5. Quiet driving
Hybrids tap into some of the benefit of electric cars when running solely on electric power. These include not just faster acceleration, but also a less noisy driving experience. So, you’re getting the best of both worlds.
6. No range anxiety
Compared to electric cars, hybrids come with a longer driving range as they can rely on the combustion engine when the battery power runs out. No need to find a charging point, your fuel engine will keep you going.
7. Better acceleration
Hybrid cars rely on the electric motor for the initial acceleration and engages the combustion engine later for extra power. The motor provides instant torque helping the car accelerate quicker.
8. Ability to enter low emission zones
Many cities in the UK and Europe combat pollution by using restrictions on diesel/petrol cars. Hybrid cars are oftentimes exempt from these restrictions. This government tool is a handy way to assess the requirements for drivers looking to avoid charges in clean air zones. No matter the new Subaru you choose, you can be assured it will be ULEZ-compliant
9. Reliable for any type of journey
Gone are the days when hybrids were only to be trusted for a drive around town. One of the new benefits of hybrid cars is that the technology that powers them keeps evolving. These days, hybrids are up for any weather and terrain.
10. Futureproof choice
As the world moves away from petrol-powered cars and more towards sustainable vehicles and the regulations around emissions are always evolving, hybrid cars are a great step toward futureproofing your journeys.
Are there any disadvantages to owning a hybrid car?
Hybrids come with a long list of benefits, but there are a few considerations worth keeping in mind:
Maintenance costs are usually lower than traditional cars, but higher than for electric cars: Due to their dual power source, hybrids don’t run into as many maintenance problems as a petrol or diesel car. But they do come with a similar number of components, so their servicing and maintenance needs tend to be similar as well. Although their maintenance cost is usually less than that of a traditional car due to less tear and wear on brakes and tyres, they usually won’t be as cheap to maintain as electric cars.
Higher initial buying costs: The complex technology inside a hybrid is more expensive to produce, so the buying cost of a hybrid car tends to be higher than the cost of a traditional car. But the extra cost might be recouped over the lifetime of the car thanks to one of the biggest advantages of hybrids which is their fuel efficiency.
Are hybrid cars worth it?
There are plenty of benefits you can get from driving a hybrid: from satisfying the eco-conscious driver to offering a smooth driving experience and getting higher fuel efficiency. These advantages must be weighed alongside financial considerations and lifestyle habits, so every driver will have to make their own personal choice. But it’s worth keeping in mind the bigger picture. Hybrid cars offer a great waypoint towards a better driving experience and more sustainable journeys.
If you’re still trying to make up your mind, you can always request a test drive for our Crosstrek or the all-new Forester hybrids and get a better feel for what is like to drive one of them.
We hope this article on the benefits of hybrid vehicles was helpful! Make sure to explore our other articles for everything you need to know about SUVs, EVs and Hybrids. Read our article on the benefits of electric cars next.
News & Stories
Self-charging hybrid cars: what they are & how they work
Self-charging hybrids are easy to drive & easy to charge. They do the charging themselves. Here is how engines combine with electricity to power your journey.
All-wheel drive cars: what they are & how they keep you safe
All-wheel drive cars are designed to send power to all four wheels for better traction and stability. For many drivers, AWD systems provide the peace of mind they need knowing they’ll stay
The benefits of electric cars
Wondering about the world of electric cars? With the government setting on the path to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, electric vehicles will become an even bigger part of our lives.
Installing electric car charging stations
If you’re planning on installing an electric car charger at home, you will need to consider the type of charger, cost & more.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost of charging your electric vehicle will change depending on whether you’re at home, work, or a public charging station.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the type of charge, where you charge your EV and the battery size of your electric car.