Buy or Lease a Hybrid Vehicle
If you're in the market for a car, consider going electric. However, if you're not ready for an electric vehicle, check out your options for a fuel-efficient hybrid car. Hybrids are affordable and can save $50/month or more on fuel costs—and lower your impact!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Hybrid cars are now available in many different models, styles, and sticker prices to fit almost everyone’s preferences. Hybrids prices start at $22,000 for new models and have both compact, midsize, SUV and even minivan options. Hybrids often run $2-3,000 more than other models in the same class, however, generally make up this extra cost through fuel savings. Used models start even lower at $10,000 or less and if properly maintained can stay on the road 200,000 miles or longer. Hybrids generally keep their value on the resale market, increasing your financial benefit even further. Read on for more tips on choosing a hybrid.
1Choose the right hybrid for you
Today hybrids come in all types and price ranges from SUVs to compacts to minivans. What is a hybrid and what are some of the factors to consider in choosing a model?
What is a hybrid? A hybrid is a vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and batteries. Why add batteries? Because they are 3 times more efficient than gasoline engines. Combining electric power with gas gives hybrids about 30% better fuel efficiency than comparable gas-only cars. Hybrids also use regenerative braking to capture the energy from braking to charge the batteries. Hybrid batteries typically have an 8 -10 year or 80,000 - 150,000 mile warranty. New battery replacement can run $3,000, however, used battery packs are available for a few hundred dollars.
Hybrid types. There are a few different hybrid configurations.
Traditional hybrids (HEV) run primarily on gas with batteries to extend efficiency. With a traditional hybrid, you fill up at the gas pump primarily. Fuel efficiency for traditional hybrids ranges from 40-58 mpg.
Plug in hybrids (PHEVs) run primarily on electricity using gas to extend the range. Generally, they run only on electricity for the first 10-50 miles and then switch to gas when the battery runs low. For plug-in hybrids, you primarily use the plug-in technology and only get gas occasionally. Fuel efficiency for plug-in hybrids ranges from 40-52 mpg. If you choose a plug-in hybrid, you will want to be able to charge it at home or work, if possible. Since the battery is smaller than a full 100% electric car, you can often plug it in on a regular 120-volt outlet (standard house plug). As long as you have a plug near your car, you are good to go. You can also stop and charge at public charging stations which are easy to find on charging station apps.
Check fuel economy. Before you buy, check the U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Economy website or the vehicle sticker to compare vehicle mileage ratings and emissions. Hybrid fuel efficiency ranges quite a bit and so it’s good to compare.
Perks. Many areas still have incentive programs for hybrids including rebates, tax incentives, carpool lane passes, and parking perks. Check the resources section or your state transportation agency for more information.
Other features. Just like regular cars hybrids offer other features like cargo space, fancy stereo, and heated seats. Shop, test drive and choose the features that are best for you!
2Purchase or lease your Hybrid and hit the road!
Congrats! You have completed a big action and are significantly reducing your climate impact. Want to do even more? Consider carpooling or combining trips to lower emissions even more. Check out those action pages to learn more. Enjoy your new car!