Now almost all manufacturers offer at least one hybrid vehicle in their catalogue. This category of car, which combines the combustion engine and electric motor, has been on the rise since the launch of the Toyota Prius in 1997. But beware, not all hybrid vehicles can operate in 100% electric mode.

You want to buy a hybrid, but you hesitate about the model? Today we offer you some reflection elements to help you choose.

What is a hybrid vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle is a machine that uses at least two different energy sources to move. Generally, the term hybrid car refers to a car that uses fuel and electricity to move to utilize two motors: one thermal, the other electric.

Less expensive, less heavy, and reliable, but with a shorter electric range (2 to 3 km in general), "classic" hybrids remain the best solution for those who cannot or do not want to since these models do not recharge.

The plug-in hybrid combines, like the ordinary hybrid, a combustion engine and an electric motor. However, this car's rechargeable battery is much more imposing and efficient. A 30 km course does not scare him and can only be done in all-electric mode.

The plug-in hybrid combines, like the ordinary hybrid, a combustion engine and an electric motor.

However, this car's rechargeable battery is much more imposing and efficient. A 30 km course does not scare him and can only be done in all-electric mode.

The disadvantages and advantages of a "classic" hybrid car

 First, its purchase price. A hybrid car is more expensive than the equivalent model, which runs on fuel with a 100% internal combustion engine.

Then its battery capacity is low. It only allows you to drive on electricity at a very short distance and low speed.

On the other hand, the hybrid is more than profitable if we observe its cost and expenses over the long term.

In addition, when it is resold, your hybrid vehicle will retain a more attractive price for you, the seller, since the loss in value of a hybrid is relatively slow.

Why, then, buy a plug-in hybrid car?

The plug-in hybrid vehicle offers some decisive competitive advantages. It allows you to travel tens of kilometres on 100% electricity, particularly during urban journeys. If the battery is discharged, the internal combustion engine takes over for longer trips.

The battery's autonomy is increasingly efficient and goes up to 50km on specific plug-in hybrid models. And anyway, you don't risk "dry running out" even if the battery is empty; a plug-in hybrid vehicle can still drive thanks to its internal combustion engine, with no obligation to recharge the battery to complete your journey.

On a more general level, what is the point of buying a hybrid car?

The significant advantage of hybrid cars lies in their consumption, which is much more economical than vehicles equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine. At low speeds, a hybrid car consumes only electricity. At higher rates, it also consumes gas or diesel.

The look of very divisive hybrid vehicles is sometimes surprising.

Manufacturers often abuse this type of automobile aesthetic code supposed to symbolize the image of the electricity fairy in the design of hybrid or entirely non-thermal cars. Thus there is a profusion of more or less full grilles, strange color codes, futuristic designs and interiors, and lines that are sometimes confusing, to say the least: a typical example is the legendary Toyota Prius, this pioneer. They pioneered electromobility some twenty years ago. Since then, in terms of the look, it has evolved.

Decked out in particular designs, hybrid and electric cars have suffered from uncertain looks for years. But times are changing, and the Fiat 500 or the S Cross, to name a few, prove that you can also drive in pretty electric cars.

The hybrid car, an alternative for the world of tomorrow

Much greater autonomy than the electric car. Reduced fuel consumption and emissions provided you recharge well and drive sufficiently in electric mode. The advantages of the hybrid vehicle are numerous.

Good to know, too: hybrid cars are generally not subject to the ecological penalty. Some of them can benefit from aid for purchase (conversion bonus, etc.) and a preferential rate or even free tax on the registration certificate.