What is a Hybrid and Should You Buy One?

The automotive market is abuzz with new, greener vehicles, like the growing list of hybrid options. If you're wondering whether a hybrid car is right for you - or wondering what it even is - this guide will help clear up your questions.

What is a Hybrid?

A hybrid car is a vehicle that gets its power from more than one source - namely, a gas or diesel engine and an electric motor. There are three different types of hybrids, the most common being a parallel hybrid car. This type can power wheels either with the engine alone, with the battery alone, or with the two sources combined. These cars will only use the electric motor at low speeds, so they're extremely efficient options for urban driving.

Range extender hybrids, on the other hand, do not use the gas engine to power the vehicle. Instead, they use this engine just to recharge the battery. Plug-in hybrids will use things like regenerative braking and its gas engine to charge the battery, but can also be charged by plugging into an outlet. Plug-in hybrids have larger batteries allowing for further distances on electric power.

Should You Buy a Hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles allow drivers to enjoy extra efficiency in circumstances that may feel more convenient than a fully electric vehicle. Hybrids like the Kia Optima Hybrid are also a lot of fun to drive. Plus, in a hybrid there's no need to worry about running past a mile range, or finding a charging station in time. Hybrids are great if you do a lot of city driving, where low speeds equate very low fuel consumption. If you want to experience optimum fuel efficiency, but don't want to sacrifice the flexibility that comes with a standard vehicle, a hybrid option can deliver the best of both worlds.  

To learn more about the performance, fuel efficiency, and performance of a hybrid vehicle, visit Bill Walsh Kia.