Dear customers, during the holiday season please note that our offices will be closed from December 24 to 28 and from December 31 to January 4, 2026. Please note that our claims services will remain open 24/7. Happy holidays to all!
There are two main types of environmentally friendly cars on the market today: hybrids (or plug-in hybrids) and electric vehicles. Each has its advantages and its drawbacks. Are you always on the road, or do you use your car mostly for short trips around town or weekend jaunts? Drivers have different needs, and it’s important to take this into account in choosing a car that’s best-suited to you. If you’re considering “going green”, here’s some information about the different types of cars to help you pick the green option that fits your profile.
Hybrid cars
Hybrid vehicles require half the amount of gas that regular cars use, while plug-in hybrids use only a quarter of that amount.
There are many types of hybrids, but the most common ones have a gas engine and one or two electric motors. The electric motor powers the car until the battery is drained, at which point the gas engine kicks in.
Plug-in hybrids operate on the same principle, but the battery is larger and can be charged at your home or closest public charging station.
The drawbacks
- Consumers have less to choose from in this category because users who want to go green often opt to go fully electric.
- Hybrids lose their environmental edge if the gas engine kicks in too often, or if it’s not practical to recharge the battery on a daily basis.
- Trunks are smaller in hybrids because having several motors takes up a lot of space (this is especially true in the case of plug-in hybrids).
Hybrids: Do you fit the profile?
If you typically drive short distances but want the flexibility to be able to take longer road trips, a hybrid may suit your lifestyle. They allow you to travel an average of 50 km on battery power and up to 400 km on the gas motor.
It’s also a good option if you don’t have a charging station at home, or if the prospect of running out of fuel stresses you out.
Above all, it’s important to have a relaxed driving style. If you tend to race on the road, your car will be using the gas motor most of the time, reducing the cost-savings and environmental benefits of a hybrid.
