Evaluating Hybrid Vehicles: Pros and Cons

Sustainability has become the key factor in modern-day decision-making. The individuals of today are largely embracing the concept of conscious consumerism. Self-interest choices have been supplanted by sustainable options, reflecting a shift in consumer behaviour. According to a study by Rakuten Insight on sustainable consumption in India, 60% of consumers emphasized the importance of purchasing products that are sustainably produced or environmentally friendly. This statistic is a testament to the rising reliance on green options.

In light of the growing shift towards eco-friendly choices, industries are increasingly going green. Automobile industry, in particular, is largely adopting and advocating sustainability, setting the benchmark for other sectors. The advent of EVs and hybrid vehicles is one step ahead towards India’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.

A report from Mordor Intelligence estimates that the Hybrid Vehicle Market will be valued at $231.77 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $478.33 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 12.83% over the forecast period (2024-2029). The increased environmental awareness followed by sustainable choices is driving the demand for hybrid vehicles. With an electric motor and a gasoline diesel engine, hybrid vehicles utilize less fuel and produce fewer emissions, rendering them a smart choice amongst environment-conscious consumers.

However, just as every coin has two sides, so do hybrid vehicles. Even though they champion the sustainability quotient, these vehicles also come with their own set of disadvantages.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of hybrid vehicles:

Pros

Environment-conscious: What gains hybrid vehicles a point over the others is their eco-friendly nature. With combination engines, these vehicles cut down fuel consumption, resulting in better gas mileage. On top of that, less fuel consumption eliminates their dependency on fossil fuels, leading to reduced emissions.

Fuel efficiency: These twin-powered engine vehicles thrive on concise, lightweight and efficient internal combustion engines. Given the featherweight nature of the engine and other vehicle elements, a lesser amount of energy is required. Harnessing support from the electric motor, the light nature of hybrid vehicles tends to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Less maintenance and high resale value: With fewer and lighter parts, hybrid vehicles are quite easy to maintain. Moreover, the combination engine adds to its longevity, positively impacting its performance and functioning. The cherry on the cake is these low-maintenance vehicles offer a high resale value, thanks to their fuel efficiency.

Cons

Higher operating costs: Given the twin-powered engine and transforming technology, the repair and maintenance of hybrid vehicles might become challenging. Moreover, this might also directly impact the ongoing upkeep costs of the vehicle.

High voltage risks: Hybrid vehicle batteries operate at high voltages. This increases the chances of electrocution, putting the lives of the driver and passengers at risk.

Low power: Hybrid vehicles use a combination of electric and gasoline engines. Thus, both engines are not able to perform to their full potential as they would do independently in gasoline or electric vehicles. Consequently, the low power makes these vehicles suitable for city driving rather than high-speed performances.

Future ahead

While hybrid vehicles surely champion the sustainability quotient, the high repair and upkeep costs can be a major turn-off. However, as we progress towards a greener landscape, hybrid vehicles will play a crucial part. Thus, before going for a hybrid vehicle, it is vital to take into account one’s driving purpose, pattern, budget and affordability.