From being better for the environment, sleek designs, lots of options, and the rising cost of gas in Canada, there are lots of reasons why fuel efficient cars are becoming more and more popular. Here are some things you should know if you’re considering making the switch to electric.
- Hybrids will save you a lot of money over time
Gas prices in Canada are on the rise, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. Even if you don’t feel comfortable switching to a fully electric car right away, a hybrid car that uses gas still means savings and doubling your gas mileage.
- Hybrids may cost more upfront, but the gap is shrinking
According to Global News: “As global demand for the cars grow, and Palmer says they are growing, you can expect to see lower costs for electric cars. We estimate that [electric cars] could be cheaper without subsidies by 2025 and [plug-in hybrids] by 2030. Globally, sales of electric vehicles are doubling every year but Palmer noted that growth in developed countries (like Canada) is lagging behind places like China.”
- You don’t need to get a full hybrid to reap the benefits
Electric motors are efficient, and unlike their internal-combustion counterparts, produce their maximum power from a dead stop. But batteries with enough energy to drive long distances on electricity alone are bulky, heavy, and more expensive. This is why hybrid cars come with gas and electric power. This is especially useful if you live in a small town without many charging stations.
- Avoid hybrids that are more than 10 years old
Hybrid cars are not perfect, and often the batteries need to be replaced after a few years of use. When buying a hybrid secondhand, make sure that the warranty is still active on the battery so that you don’t have to shell out up to $5000 for a new one.
- Pick a reliable model
If you’re investing in a new model for the long term, make sure that you check consumer reports on the type of hybrid you’re pick. Toyota still leads the way with reliability, but there’s also Ford and Hyundai, who have highly rated and reviewed models as well.
- Hybrids are ideal for city driving
Owners of hybrids who live in the city report using almost none of their gas, often because there’s a higher concentration of charging stations. If you don’t live in the city, you may want to check with your city to see if there are any charging stations at all. This is only a real concern if you have a full hybrid, but it may not be worthwhile to invest in a hybrid at all if the area that you live in doesn’t accommodate them.
- Charging stations are becoming more popular
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, and hybrid cars more popular, charging stations are becoming more run of the mill. It may be worthwhile to invest in a hybrid now and benefit in the future.
There are lots of benefits to driving a hybrid, and you may even get a better price on your insurance premium for driving one. Before you purchase your hybrid, check with your insurance provider to see if choosing a hybrid affects your premium. If you’re not satisfied with your current policy, compare it to oth
