You will be on your third car after you’re done with the one you currently own, which is an SUV with a diesel engine. You’ve started to take notice of the many campaigns about fighting climate change and saving the environment. You began reading materials on how you can play your part. You started bringing your reusable grocery bags to reduce the use of plastic bags. You installed energy-efficient light bulbs at home.
Another aspect you can play a part in is the kind of vehicle that you use. You’re now considering replacing your gas-guzzler of a car with an eco-friendly hybrid vehicle. You checked out a dealership in Utah and looked at one with features like EcoDrive LCD instrumentation, cruise control, and a 120-horsepower electric motor. But are these the primary considerations? How do you decide on the right hybrid vehicle for you and your family?
Modern Cars and Air Pollution
They say that the wheel is one of man’s greatest inventions. Drawn by powerful and tireless beast or pushed by man, ancient vehicles had zero negative impact on the environment. But today, modern fossil-fuel-burning motorized vehicles are the bane of the environment and a threat to public health.
Carbon monoxides and hydrocarbons are the primary air pollutants that come from car emissions. These emissions, when inhaled by humans, cause health problems like asthma or heart disease.
The Shift to an Eco-friendlier Transportation
Hybrid vehicles run on both electric power and traditional fuel. The combination reduces the negative impact on the environment since you would be burning less gas for the same distance or even longer. Here are your other considerations when deciding to buy a hybrid vehicle.
- Different hybrids. Deciding the hybrid type is perhaps the initial step you will make. The three main hybrid types to choose from are the following:
- Parallel hybrid. This runs on gasoline and electricity, but only uses one of these options depending on how you’re driving.
- Series hybrids. Runs first on the electric power, while the gas engine recharges the electric battery.
- Full hybrid. This uses the electricity stored in the batteries and shifts to gas when the electric power runs out.
- Driving habits and when to charge. Choose one that will give you the most extended mileage on electricity. You will then need to study your driving routines and determine where your stops are going to be to charge your vehicle. Remember that your goal is to help reduce the environmental impact of driving a car.
- Comfort, handling, and others matter too. How your car is powered is just one of the considerations. You need to make a choice based on how you would choose a regular vehicle. Trunk space, handling, comfort, and of course, price are all crucial factors when selecting a hybrid car. Make sure that you explore as many brands and models as you can.
Don’t also forget to check the safety features of your vehicle. Check the review ratings of the cars on your shortlist thoroughly. The environment matters, but so do the lives of your family.
