What are the Benefits of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles?

As more and more automakers embrace green technology, there’s been a vast surge of hybrid and EV models on Temecula streets. You might be wondering what is a hybrid car, and are they worth it? Also, what is the difference between hybrid and electric vehicles? In this helpful guide, Temecula Valley Toyota summarizes hybrid and electric cars’ main pros and cons. When you’re ready to shop for a new hybrid vehicle, contact us. We have an extensive inventory of hybrid vehicles available.

Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles

Let’s start at the beginning. What is a hybrid car, and what is an electric car? One of the main differences between hybrid and electric vehicles is the battery and how it’s charged. In a hybrid car, the batteries not only provide energy, but it recharges themselves while driving. The batteries in electric vehicles do not get recharged unless they are plugged into some source of energy. What is the hybrid vs. electric cars environmental impact? Hybrid cars still have some emissions, while EV cars do not.

Pros of Hybrid Cars

So, what makes hybrid vehicles unique? Learn more about the pros and cons below:

• Energy Efficiency: Hybrid vehicles utilize electric-drive technologies and traditional combustion engines to maximize fuel economy, and systems like regenerative braking recapture energy typically lost during braking. This results in less fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and less money spent at the gas pump.
• Ownership Costs: Not only can you find hybrid cars in a wide range of price points and configurations at Temecula Valley Toyota, but many states, like California, offer tax incentives to Murrieta drivers that purchase a hybrid vehicle. Plus, every hybrid Toyota includes a generous battery warranty to protect your investment for the long run.
• Diverse Variety: Hybrid cars in the past were traditionally more compact and lower powered than their traditional counterparts, but now you can find high-performance hybrids, high-powered SUVs, and any other configuration you want for your Lake Elsinore commute.

Potential Cons of Hybrid Cars

Before buying a hybrid vehicle, there are a few possible drawbacks you should consider. Review the following points, and be sure to contact Temecula Valley Toyota if you have questions:

• Price: Hybrid cars typically cost more upfront than gas-powered vehicles. Of course, you will make up for that increased cost with fuel savings and federal incentives, but initially, you can expect a higher sales or lease price.
• Maintenance Costs: Although hybrid cars often require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, hybrid car maintenance costs can cost more, especially if the battery needs to be replaced. Hybrid car batteries can cost around $2,000+, depending on the make and model.
• Hybrid Emissions: Hybrid vehicles are more eco-friendly than gas-powered cars, but less so than EVs. If zero-emissions performance is your primary goal, consider an all-electric alternative.

Which Toyota Models are Hybrid Vehicles?

Toyota offers more electric and hybrid vehicles than any other auto manufacture. From the Prius to the Mirai and everything in between, you have many price options. Plus, you can choose from sedans, minivans, and SUV models. These Toyota models are also available as hybrids:

• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Mirai (Fuel cell electric-vehicle)
• Toyota Prius Prime
• Toyota RAV4
• Toyota RAV4 Prime
• Toyota Sienna
• 2021 Toyota Venza

California Incentives to Buy Hybrid or Electric Vehicles

There are several current incentives offered to California residents to encourage them to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, such as:

• Alternative fuel vehicle rebate program: Includes the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), which offers rebates up to $7,000 for qualifying zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
• Drive Clean rebate program: Offers a rebate of up to $4,500 to purchase or lease eligible natural gas and plug-in electric vehicles in some regions.
• Insurance discount: Some insurance carriers offer discounted insurance coverage.
• PEV utility reductions: Discounts offered by some California utility companies offset charging costs.
• HOV lane exemptions: Use of HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants and the use of High Occupancy Toll (HOT) roads free of charge.

Find Your Next Hybrid or Electric Vehicle at Temecula Valley Toyota

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is a hybrid car?” and “What is an electric car?” and you’re probably clear on the hybrid vs. electric cars environmental impact, contact us to test drive one of the many Toyota hybrid models. You can even shop from home by browsing our extensive inventory and new vehicle specials, so don’t wait! Let us know how we can help!