The rise in popularity of hybrid cars continues to grow with over 740,000 of them on the UK’s roads in 2024
. Both plug-in hybrid and self-charging hybrid cars increased to the highest number in the last four years. But should you choose a hybrid car?
To find out whether a hybrid car is a good choice for you, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of hybrid cars below.
Already know a hybrid car is right for you? Explore our range of hybrid cars including the BYD Seal U DM-i.
To find out whether a hybrid car is a good choice for you, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of hybrid cars below.
Already know a hybrid car is right for you? Explore our range of hybrid cars including the BYD Seal U DM-i.
01
What is a hybrid car and how do they work?
Hybrid cars use more than one power source – an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Both of these components work together to propel the car, improving fuel efficiency so drivers can drive further on less fuel. Hybrid cars can be driven in fully electric mode or powered by the internal combustion engine alone when the electric charge has depleted.
There are three different types of hybrid cars: mild hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
- Mild hybrid cars don’t have a fully electric range. These cars use electric power only as a way of supporting the fuel-powered engine.
- Hybrid cars (HEVs) are self-charging and cannot be charged externally.
- Plug-in hybrid cars can be charged with a home or public charger, or even a normal socket you’d find in the home. Plug-in hybrid cars offer electric-only driving, which is useful in stop-start traffic.
For more information on these three hybrid car types, read our guide on MHEV vs. HEV vs. PHEV .
02
Advantages of a hybrid car
While more sustainable driving is one of the most positive aspects of driving a hybrid car, it’s not the only benefit. Some advantages of driving a hybrid car include:
Travel further for longer
One of the stand-out advantages of hybrid cars is improved fuel efficiency. You can travel further for longer without having to stop and recharge as you would with an electric car.
As well as this, the petrol or diesel engine of a hybrid car is more efficient as the engine is assisted by a motor so you can go further on less fuel.
Hybrid cars use up to 30% less fuel per mile than ICE vehicles, which means you can cut harmful emissions and fuel costs to save money each month.
Save money on fuel
With hybrid cars using less fuel than ICE cars, you can save money on your monthly fuel expenses. You won’t need to top up as often as the electric motor works with the engine to get the most out of your hybrid car.
Hybrid cars also use regenerative braking , which recharges the battery with the energy that’s usually lost when you slow down.
When this system is used correctly, it means less energy is wasted for improved efficiency overall.
Smooth driving experience
Everyone wants to feel comfortable on the road, whether you’re cruising down the motorway or navigating tight country lanes. Hybrid cars produce less noise as they run purely on electric at low speeds, so you can enjoy the silence or your favourite podcast. With the combination of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, acceleration will feel smooth and efficient for a more comfortable time behind the wheel.
Hybrid cars make driving in stop-and-go traffic easier. They can be driven on just electric power at lower speeds for a smooth driving experience. This also reduces the exhaust emissions produced if you come to a standstill.
Innovative features
Hybrid cars are always improving, and the new, modern technology used to manufacture them means these cars are some of the most innovative and advanced on the market.
For example, the BYD Seal U-DMi comes with NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) Technology, creating a calm atmosphere on the road, no matter the terrain. The model has a range of advanced features on board for an enhanced experience, including a safe Head-Up display, as well as ambient lights and speakers.
Long-term savings
Hybrid cars require less maintenance , which means you can save money on repairs. Components within a hybrid car wear less due to the engine and the motor sharing the load, reducing strain for longer-lasting parts.
The BYD Blade Battery is used alongside Super DM technology in the Seal U-DMi. Tailormade for hybrid driving, this technology comes with a range of benefits. BYD’s Blade Battery is one of the safest on the market, for a driving experience you can rely on. To experience the best in hybrid technology, explore the Seal U DM-i.
03
Disadvantages of a hybrid car
It helps to weigh up the positives and the negatives to ensure that choosing a hybrid car is the best option for you. Let’s take a closer look at the disadvantages of hybrid cars below:
Limited electric range
While hybrid cars allow you to drive in all-electric mode, you won’t be able to travel as far on electric power as you would with an electric car . Most hybrid cars have combined ranges, which is how far you can travel with fuel and electric power. Be sure to check how much all-electric range a hybrid car has if this is important to you before making your decision.
The BYD Seal U DM-i Boost has an all-electric range of 50 miles and a 671-mile combined range. The Design model has 43 miles of all-electric range with a combined range of 540 miles.
The BYD Seal U DM-i Boost has an all-electric range of 50 miles and a 671-mile combined range. The Design model has 43 miles of all-electric range with a combined range of 540 miles.
Not as sustainable as EVs
Hybrid cars are not as sustainable as fully electric cars . While you can use them to reduce your carbon footprint, these vehicles are not completely emission-free due to the combination of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor.
If reducing emissions is important to you, explore our range of electric cars. Choose a hybrid car if you’re hoping to improve fuel efficiency.
If reducing emissions is important to you, explore our range of electric cars. Choose a hybrid car if you’re hoping to improve fuel efficiency.
Maintenance costs
While hybrid cars are easier to maintain than conventional cars, there may be some maintenance issues when it comes to finding a mechanic who knows about hybrid vehicles and their specialised systems. A specialist mechanic may also charge you more for their expertise.
At BYD, we ensure all of our retailers are fully trained in hybrid car maintenance and repairs, for your peace of mind on the road.
Increased weight
New hybrid drivers might find that these models don’t handle as well as conventional, fuel-powered cars. This is due to the amount of machinery included in hybrid models. The electric motor and internal combustion engine increase weight in hybrid cars , resulting in manufacturers making these components smaller. This has a knock-on effect when it comes to power on the road.
04
Should I buy a hybrid car?
Hybrid cars come with a range of advantages that could suit a range of lifestyles. If you’re still wondering whether a hybrid car is a good choice for you, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
Driving habits play an important role in this decision-making. Hybrid cars are a great choice if you frequently drive shorter routes or if you often find yourself in traffic on the commute. Hybrid cars excel in stop-start traffic. While hybrid cars aren’t completely emission-free, if sustainability is important to you, they’re better for the environment than ICE cars.
Think about whether you’re able to install a wall charger at home. If not, you’ll need to consider how you’d charge your PHEV - whether you’d do this at work or at a public charging station. Considering this factor is crucial for your convenience so you can get the most out of your hybrid car.
If you’re looking for a car with some of the best driver technology to make driving safer and more enjoyable, hybrid cars are a great choice.
Driving habits play an important role in this decision-making. Hybrid cars are a great choice if you frequently drive shorter routes or if you often find yourself in traffic on the commute. Hybrid cars excel in stop-start traffic. While hybrid cars aren’t completely emission-free, if sustainability is important to you, they’re better for the environment than ICE cars.
Think about whether you’re able to install a wall charger at home. If not, you’ll need to consider how you’d charge your PHEV - whether you’d do this at work or at a public charging station. Considering this factor is crucial for your convenience so you can get the most out of your hybrid car.
If you’re looking for a car with some of the best driver technology to make driving safer and more enjoyable, hybrid cars are a great choice.
Comparing your options? Find out more about BYD electric cars, the benefits of electric cars and how to charge an electric car to help you decide which is best.
