Leasing the right type of vehicle as a PHV Driver can make a significant difference in your earnings. Here in this article we explain why some types of cars may be a better fit for you as a PHV driver.
Cost-Effectiveness
Though the price of a hybrid car is slightly more expensive than its petrol variant, it may be more cost-efficient for a PHV driver due to the long distance and high mileage incurred. For some car models, there may not even be a big price difference between the petrol and hybrid variants. In the long run, the savings listed below will justify the initial price tag.
Fuel-Efficiency
The hybrid batteries found in a hybrid car is charged both by the petrol engine, which powers a generator that charges the battery, and by the regenerative braking system, which reverses the function of the electric motors, generating electricity to charge the battery. At low speeds, hybrid cars can run solely on electric motor, eliminating the need for a petrol engine.
Furthermore, hybrid automobiles have smaller petrol engines and are thus lighter. These add to the fuel-efficiency that comes with a hybrid car.
A hybrid car’s fuel economy can reach 34 kilometers per liter, while a petrol car’s can be as low as 11.6 kilometers per liter. As a PHV driver, you can save far more on fuel costs due to the large difference in distance that can be covered per litre of fuel.
Price of Petrol
Furthermore, the rise in petrol prices this year has been staggering. Aside from the record prices in early March this year, pump prices reached new heights again just a few days back with posted rates breaching previous records in early March – even though oil prices are around 15 per cent lower than in March. As of now, a litre of 92-octane petrol now ranges from $3.13 (SPC) to $3.20 (Caltex), or 7 per cent higher than in March (Source: The Straits Times).
Hybrid car drivers can better mitigate this increased cost as their reliance on petrol prices will be significantly lesser than that of a petrol car driver.
Maintenance
A hybrid car has a hybrid battery as well as an electric motor that assists the petrol engine, whereas a traditional petrol car only has the petrol engine. The electric motor helps create less wear and tear on the petrol engine, thus reducing downtime for maintenance and repairs.
For example, when moving off from a standstill, the electric drivetrain supports the engine so lesser load is placed on the engine. In addition, with the regenerative braking system found on hybrid cars that helps the car to slow down, the brake pads will also be able to last longer than that of a petrol car.
Lower Emissions
In addition to the financial advantages, a hybrid car allows you to help the environment by emitting less pollutants.
Comfortable Driving
As a PHV driver who spends a lot of time in the car, comfort is crucial, and hybrid vehicles provide a quieter drive and smoother acceleration.
GC Cars Leasing’s Verdict on Hybrid VS Petrol:
A petrol car can be cheaper upfront as compared to a hybrid car. However, here at GC Cars Leasing, we will have to choose the hybrid car if you are going to be driving a lot. Especially so for PHV drivers, it would make more sense with less reliance on petrol, less maintenance and increased reliability of a hybrid car.
What about you? Which side are you on?