Are hybrid cars worth it in Australia?

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Are hybrid cars worth it in Australia?

Oxcel Finance
January 23, 2024

While air travel is often preferred for long trips, cars are the most common mode of transportation when it comes to travelling across Australia. According to statistics, over 20 million wheeled vehicles were used on the country's roads last year. Each year, more and more of these vehicles on the roads are hybrid cars. If you are thinking of making the switch, below are some pros and cons of using hybrid vehicles in Australia.

Pros of HEVs

Accessible

The accessibility of HEVs is one of the main reasons why people choose to drive hybrid cars. The cheapest entry-level hybrid car in Australia is the Toyota Corolla.

Greener

Compared to regular cars, hybrid vehicles have lower emissions and are more fuel-efficient. They are also more eco-friendly due to their reduced carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. In certain areas, such as those in heavy traffic, hybrid vehicles are more likely to be used as the main propulsion system.

Efficient

Also, due to their efficiency, hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient. They can cut down on emissions and noise by stopping the engine when they're braking and coasting. In addition, this feature helps reduce the amount of time that the car is idling.

Cons of HEVs

Expensive

The cost to finance an HEV is higher than that of similarly-sized petrol-engined vehicles due to their complexity and the various components required to power them. In addition to the battery pack, other factors such as the electrical and transmission components are also added to the cost of this type of vehicle.

Not Made for Outside of City

In terms of driving performance, hybrid cars are generally better than their gasoline-powered counterparts. They're also more fuel-efficient because of their electric motor's low-speed capabilities. However, they lose their economy when compared to regular vehicles when it comes to moving at fast speeds.

More Complex to Fix

One of the biggest disadvantages of hybrid cars is their complexity. Having two propulsion systems in one vehicle adds a huge amount of cost to their repairs and maintenance. Most of the time, electric motors are relatively durable and reliable.

One of the biggest issues with hybrid vehicles is the degradation of their batteries. Although their lithium-ion batteries are usually guaranteed for 8 years, their ability to hold charge eventually declines. This means that if they're not able to recharge properly, the car will probably become uneconomic to replace. Even though their batteries are beyond their best, hybrid cars still have their benefits.

As you can see, there are many good and not-so-good reasons to consider getting a hybrid car in Australia. It's up to you whether or not you want to buy a hybrid car. Hopefully, the government's incentives will improve soon enough to make the decision easier.