Are You Planning to Buy a Hybrid Car? Consider the Service Costs First!

New Delhi, 14th June, 2023: In today’s swiftly evolving automotive market, demand for hybrid cars, as well as electric vehicles, is increasing. Due to their amazing mileage, hybrid automobiles have grown in popularity among consumers, and several firms are now offering hybrid engines in their premium SUVs or sedans.

However, when considering the benefits and drawbacks of owning a hybrid vehicle, it’s critical to consider these service-related problems and expenditures in order to make an informed selection that fits your tastes and budget.

So, what exactly is a hybrid car?

Hybrid electric vehicles are driven by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. Quite simply, it’s a vehicle that runs on a combination of a battery and an engine.

What are the advantages of owning a hybrid car?

Hybrid owners benefit from improved fuel economy, which allows them to save money while also reducing their environmental effect. Hybrid cars offer a great combination of petrol and electric benefits.

Hybrid cars also use a clever process called regenerative braking to charge the battery, recycling energy created while braking to partially recharge the battery.

However, there are disadvantages too:

The cost of servicing hybrid cars is generally higher compared to petrol cars. The service charges for these vehicles can be 50 to 70 percent more than what you would expect for a conventional petrol car. Moreover, as you accumulate mileage, the cost of servicing increases significantly, usually at intervals of every 15,000 kilometers.

Another factor to consider is the expense associated with the battery pack of hybrid cars, particularly for plug-in hybrids. The price of the battery pack can reach lakhs of rupees, and after approximately three years of usage, it may require replacement, which can be a substantial investment.

Currently, the availability of service centers for hybrid cars in India is limited to authorized locations. This means that if you encounter a major issue while on the road or in an area without a service center nearby, it could be quite challenging to find the necessary support.

When weighing the pros and cons of owning a hybrid car, it’s crucial to take into account these service-related challenges and costs to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and budget.