Hybrid cars - What they are and how to use them

Hybrid cars are all the rage - and for good reason: Not only are they a cleaner form of transport than petrol-only vehicles, but hybrid cars could save you money!

A hybrid car refers to any vehicle that combines two sources of power. Most hybrid cars combine petrol-electric hybrids.

Hybrid cars save on polluting emissions through:

• Storing and reusing recaptured energy in their battery storage
• Lowering or switching off the petrol engine during idle or stopped times
• Needing a smaller petrol engine than non-hybrid cars

Hybrid cars are especially useful for city traffic and for transportation which involves many stops, starts, and idling. You may also find that hybrid cars emit a much lower noise level than petrol only cars.

How to get the most out of your hybrid car:

• Drive smoothly - if you stop sharply, the electric motor's energy will be decreased more than if you gradually slow the car down before stopping.
• Drive slowly - the faster you drive the more aerodynamic drag your car will experience. Keeping your speed down can really increase your milage.
• Drive at a constant speed - you use energy every time you speed up - and that energy is wasted when you slow down. You can maximise your fuel usage through maintaining a constant speed.

Hybrid cars could save you money through reduced fuel costs and reduced maintenance. There may also be government or company subsidies available to purchase your hybrid vehicle.