Most Ontario residents who are concerned about climate change are willing to take necessary steps for a cleaner, greener environment. In fact, according to a report released by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), over half of consumers take environmental factors into account when deciding to purchase a product. However, when it comes to driving the daily commute, there can be challenges for some. One could look into an electric vehicle (EV), but the higher costs associated with EV technology and with charging infrastructure in its infancy across the province, fully electric cars might not be the most logical choice for the majority of residents.
What many overlook is the perfect comprise.
Here are four reasons why a hybrid vehicle is the most practical choice for your commute and the environment.
No charging necessary
In a series/parallel hybrid, the gas and electric motors work in tandem for motive power and with the electric motor recharging on the go. In most cases only the electric motor is required to start, idle, or reverse the car. Both motors work together to power through acceleration, deceleration, and cruising. Excess energy generated is used to charge the battery.
There are options on the market for plug-in electric hybrids, like the Toyota Prius Prime which offer a greater range of travel in EV (electric) mode.
An economical choice
Not only are hybrids priced competitively, but they also allow you to travel further while using and purchasing far less gas. Use this helpful hybrid versus gas calculator to see how much you can save in fuel, and how big of an impact switching to hybrid would have on your commute.
No mileage anxiety
Since hybrid cars don’t rely on charging stations, you won’t need to worry about how far your car will take you. There is no need to change your routes or driving habits based on battery charge time. You’ll go further on less fuel while outputting fewer emissions.
Incentives
The Government of Canada is making easier for Canadians to make the switch to a hybrid. Thanks to the Zero Emissions Incentive Program, choosing a hybrid can earn you up to $5,000 off the cost of your vehicle, with some restrictions. You can get the full details here.
Connected services
In many hybrid vehicles, the technology doesn’t end with the powertrain. Advancements in connected services are making it convenient for you to gain insights about your vehicle’s health and provide remote access to different features. Toyota has taken remote access convenience a step further by pairing its Remote Connect service to Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa. This allows you to start your car, unlock or lock the doors, and check your fuel levels from any Alexa-enabled device.
These are just some of the advantages of choosing a hybrid over fully electric cars for your next vehicle. Not only do hybrids generate a positive environmental impact, but they’re also practical vehicles that are offered at more affordable prices.
Since 1997 Toyota has added over 13 million hybrid vehicles to the road, preventing over 94 million tons of CO2 globally. As a leader in hybrid technology, Toyota is committed to changing the way Canadians drive and is a manufacturer seeking to exclusively provide hybrid cars in the future. To learn more about hybrid vehicles, visit Collingwood Toyota today.