How does a hybrid vehicle work?
Hybrid vehicles operate using two main power sources: a traditional gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. When driving, the hybrid system typically uses the electric motor at low speeds or during light acceleration, and then the gasoline engine kicks in at higher speeds or when more powerful acceleration is needed. The hybrid system also recovers kinetic energy when braking or slowing down, converting it into electricity to recharge the battery, improving the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency.
Are hybrid vehicles reliable?
Hybrid cars generally have a good reputation for reliability, but it depends on the model, brand, and maintenance. Hybrid technology has evolved, offering longer-lasting batteries, but replacing them can be costly. Following recommended maintenance intervals and looking for warranties specific to hybrid components can help maintain the reliability of these vehicles.
Plug-in hybrid or hybrid: which choice for your car?
Choosing between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid depends on your specific needs. Hybrids combine a petrol and electric engine, offering reduced fuel consumption but can only operate in limited electric mode. Plug-in hybrids offer a longer electric range but require regular charging. Choose the option that best suits your usual journeys and access to charging points to optimise your vehicle's fuel economy and environmental impact.
Used hybrid cars offer several attractive benefits:
Financial savings: Used hybrid models are often cheaper than new ones, which can provide substantial savings on purchase.
Reduced Fuel Consumption: Hybrid cars offer better fuel economy compared to gasoline vehicles, resulting in continued savings on fuel costs.
Lower depreciation: Some of the initial depreciation has often been absorbed by the original owner, which can slow down the loss of value of the used vehicle.
Reliability: Hybrid technologies are becoming more proven and used hybrid vehicles can offer high reliability if well maintained.
Reduced environmental impact: Opting for a used hybrid car helps reduce the carbon footprint by extending the life of a low-emission vehicle.
Advanced technology at an affordable price: Access advanced technologies, such as brake energy recovery systems, at a more affordable cost compared to buying new.
Government Benefits: In some areas, used hybrid vehicles may also be eligible for government benefits, such as tax breaks or green incentives.
(Before purchasing, it is advisable to check the service history, have the vehicle professionally inspected and consider the potential costs of replacing the battery, as it may have a limited life.)
What are the bonuses and incentives available for purchasing a hybrid vehicle?
Although traditional hybrid cars (non-rechargeable) no longer have the ecological bonus since 2017, they are still eligible for the conversion bonus, also called scrappage bonus. The amount of this bonus will vary between €1,000 and €5,000, depending on the applicant's income and the type of vehicle purchased.
A grant of €2,500 can be awarded for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle for a taxable household.
If a household's reference taxable income per share is less than €13,489 and it is not taxable, it can benefit from a preferential scale for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle and can also receive a bonus of €5,000.
Low-income earners and drivers who travel long distances can benefit from a €5,000 bonus for the purchase of an electric vehicle. This financial aid is also available to those who are not taxable.
To find out if you are eligible for the scrappage premium, you can use the online simulator “scrappage premium simulation 2022” available on Service-public.fr.
As for the ecological bonus, it remains valid for the purchase of rechargeable hybrid vehicles.
Currently, the bonus amount is set at 1000 euros and will be maintained until January 1, 2023. The bonus amount may vary according to different criteria.
your income (reference tax income)
the price of the car
your location (metropolitan France or overseas territories)
whether you are purchasing a new or used vehicle.
Before buying a car, it is recommended to find out about the different elements to determine if you are eligible for the ecological bonus for hybrid cars, as well as for the ecological bonus for electric cars.
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