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Hybrid cars - What they are and how to use them

Hybrid cars are all the rage - and for good reason: Not only are they a cleaner form of transport than petrol-only vehicles, but hybrid cars can save you money!

A hybrid car refers to any vehicle that combines two sources of power. Most hybrid cars combine petrol-electric hybrids.

Save on emissions

Hybrid cars save on polluting emissions through:

  • storing and reusing recaptured energy in their battery storage
  • lowering or switching off the petrol engine during idle or stopped times
  • needing a smaller petrol engine than non-hybrid cars

Hybrid cars are especially useful for city traffic and for transportation which involved many stops and starts and idling. You may also find that hybrid cars emit a much lower noise level than only-petrol cars.

How to get the most out of your hybrid car:

  • Drive smoothly - if you stop sharply, the electric motor's energy will be decreased more than if you gradually slow the car down before stopping.
  • Drive slowly - The faster you drive the more aerodynamic drag your car will experience. Keeping your speed down can really increase your mileage.
  • Drive at a constant speed - You use energy every time you speed up - and that energy is wasted when you slow down. You can maximise your fuel usage through maintaining a constant speed.

Hybrid cars can save you money through reduced fuel costs and reduced maintenance. There may also be government or company subsidies available to purchase your hybrid vehicle. Certain insurance companies provide clients who drive hybrid cars with rebates on their policies, too.