If you've been interested in investing in a greener vehicle, but you aren't ready to go fully electric, this could be a great time to look at hybrids. Used hybrid cars are affordable and offer a good balance between the convenience of gasoline engines and the green efficiency of Electric Vehicles (EVs).
What do you need to know about hybrids? Here's a quick breakdown of how the technology works, different types of hybrids, and their advantages on the road.
In short, hybrid vehicles feature a gasoline engine, like standard cars, alongside electric motors on the wheels, like an EV. Hybrids are typically fueled up at gas stations and rely on the gas motor as the main source of power for startup and acceleration. However, they can then switch over to electric power when the gas engine isn't needed, which reduces fuel use.
Rather than being plugged in, hybrids use a technology called "regenerative braking" to charge the battery for the electric motors. Special devices within the braking system capture the heat and other energy created when braking and convert it into electricity. This is extremely efficient, especially in stop-and-go city traffic, and further maximizes the power you get from each gallon of gas.
Combined with smart computer systems that optimize use of both power systems, you get a vehicle that combines the best aspects of gasoline and electric vehicles.
Plug-in hybrids are a different form of hybrid, one that places more emphasis on the electric motors. They are plugged in like an EV to recharge the battery and typically treat electricity as the primary power source. However, a gas engine is there to provide extra power when needed, such as for hard acceleration, or if the battery runs dry.
You can think of them as EVs that also include a gasoline motor as a backup system.
Plug-in hybrids are more expensive than regular hybrids but will use even less gas over time. They are also a good option if you want an EV, but live in an area which does not yet have a robust public charging network.
In short, hybrids are:
Since 1980, 1000 Islands Toyota has been your best source for new and used Toyota vehicles in Brockville, ON, and surrounding areas. Our used hybrid cars are fully certified according to Toyota policies, complete with warranty coverage, and come with verified CarProof reports so you can always feel secure about your used car purchase.
Have questions, or want to schedule a test drive? Just contact us!