With gas prices climbing, electric vehicles might look better than ever. While you may not be ready to completely detach from the pump and go all electric, a hybrid vehicle may be just the solution you need.
Here are answers to some common questions about hybrid vehicles to help you determine if it’s the right type of vehicle for you.
What is a hybrid car?
How do hybrid cars work?
The gas engine and electric motor work together to move the car. Conventional hybrids don’t need to be plugged in to charge. The battery recharges automatically through the engine and regenerative braking, which recovers energy when the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. The gas engine kicks in for highway speeds and harder acceleration. The result is less reliance on the gas engine and better fuel efficiency.
What is a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrids need to be charged. They have larger batteries and can travel up to around 40 miles just on electricity. Conveniently, plug-in hybrids can be charged with a household 120-volt line, saving the expense of installing a home charger.
How long do the batteries last in a hybrid car?
Can you jump-start a car with a hybrid engine?
Are hybrids reliable?
Are hybrid cars more expensive to insure?
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
