Hybrid cars have come a long way since they were first built back in 1899. The first ever hybrid car was built by engineer Ferdinand Porsche. Called the System Lohner-Porsche Mixte, it used a gasoline engine to supply power to an electric motor that drove the car's front wheels. 

Over the years, the technology has improved by leaps and bounds for hybrids and now, hybrids have become an increasingly popular choice as we move towards an environmentally friendly, electrified future. 

Generally, hybrids have a traditional petrol engine underneath their bonnets, combined with an electric motor like those you’ll find in an electric car. Both work independently, but they can also operate in tandem. So, you can reap the benefits of being powered by whichever is the most efficient for the speed and conditions you’re driving in.

Today, we’re going to look at 5 reasons why you should consider a hybrid for your next car, whether it’s for your family or yourself. 

1. Saves more petrol

In a hybrid, the petrol engine only runs when it’s needed, saving fuel while it's running purely on electric power. So, broadly speaking, it’s more economical, because it doesn’t need to produce as much power as the electric motor helps out. Most modern hybrids utilize a system called regenerative braking to generate electricity from waste energy as the car slows down. That electricity is stored in the battery and can be used later to power the electric motor. 

2. Protects the environment

Hybrids burn less fuel, and that means they produce less of the CO2 that can act as a greenhouse gas and promote global climate change. A hybrid can switch off the petrol engine and run on electric power only at low speeds, for example in a traffic jam, it can help to reduce noise, lower pollution and improve local air quality. You can be sure that you’re sending out the right messages for the environment with a hybrid car.

3. Maintains its value

Hybrids are growing in popularity as more people look for greener and more economical ways to drive and realise the benefits of combining petrol and electric power, such as low running costs. This means that there’s a demand for used hybrids, which keeps resale values high. 

4. Lower maintenance costs 

Because hybrid cars spend some of their time running on electric power, there’s less wear and tear on the engine. The brakes last longer, too – they don’t have to work as hard because the regenerative braking system helps slow the car down. 

5. No charging required

Most modern hybrids do not have plug-ins, instead, they are self-charging. Some of these hybrid cars carry its own generator, which is driven by the petrol engine or by the motion of the car as it slows down. The electricity generated can be used by the electric motor straight away, or it can be stored in a battery for later use. 

Hybrid cars offer a great combination of petrol and electric virtues. Electric power provides quiet, zero-emission running at city speeds, while the regenerative braking system captures energy that would otherwise go to waste and turns it into electricity that can be reused. At high speed, there’s the power of a petrol engine, and as with a conventional car, you can quickly refuel and continue on a long journey. 

Hybrids deliver fuel efficiency and emissions benefits, so it’s well worth considering a hybrid as your next car. With more and more automakers taking on the role of hybrids, you’ll be seeing more and more of them on the roads in the future.

If you’re interested to find out more about cars, you might want to consider exploring a career in automotive, motorsports, and all things related. Check out our various programmes and courses available. At TOC, you’ll be part of one of the best automotive colleges in Malaysia that provides you with the education pathway you need to turn your dream into reality!

If you’d like to know more about the automotive industry or if you’re still unsure whether it would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our automotive course counsellors, who would be happy to help you out!