Hybrid Cars In Malaysia: Why People Are Buying Them?
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In Malaysia, it is a massive understatement to say that hybrid cars have conjured a mixed bag of opinions among prospective car buyers. But why do some of us choose to buy hybrid cars in Malaysia?
On the plus side, we have supremely attractive duties exemptions (which may run out by end of 2013), the environmental friendliness factor, plus the potential to save tons on fuel compared to cars that run on petrol.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have a higher price tag and the very much talked-about charges of replacing a hybrid car battery.
As a car buyer, should you take the plunge and fork out the extra Ringgits to get that shiny new hybrid car? Or should you play it safe and buy a good old-fashioned petrol-driven car? What are your considerations to make this decision?
Back to basics
A hybrid car is basically a vehicle that is powered by both a conventional petrol combustion engine and a rechargeable electric motor, hence the term hybrid.
Generally, there are two categories of hybrid car: full hybrid or mild hybrid. A full hybrid vehicle (i.e. Toyota Prius) is one which is able to run on electric power alone under the right circumstances; while a mild hybrid vehicle (i.e. Honda Jazz Hybrid) is one where the electric motor only offers some level of power assist to the petrol engine. Full hybrid cars are costlier but have better fuel economy, while mild hybrid cars are cheaper but offer less fuel saving benefits.
Why consider hybrid cars?
Both categories of hybrid car offer two distinct advantages, namely: better overall fuel economy and greater environmental benefit.
- Fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy, a hybrid car consumes less petrol than a conventional car due to a very simple fact: it runs partly on electricity. What’s more, the fuel savings from a hybrid car can be pretty substantial too.
According to official figures listed on Toyota Singapore website:
- Environmental friendliness
In terms of the environment, a hybrid car generally produces less emission than a conventional car.
Getting a hybrid car has its own benefits, though the price can be significantly higher than conventional cars. However, not all hybrid cars are the same. There are different hybrid car technologies with different fuel-saving benefits. It is important to note that better fuel savings usually come with higher costs.
A hybrid car isn’t just about fuel savings; it’s about the environment too. Those concerned their carbon footprints, can opt for a hybrid car to reduce their CO2 emission. In this case, hybrid cars would be a worthwhile purchase even though they may cost more than conventional cars.
Hybrid cars give us wider options in performance alternatives, so it’s important to understand what we’re paying for and what we’re getting in return.
Are hybrid cars really better than conventional cars? Find out now.
