If you’re considering a new car but you’re also thinking about all those carbon emissions and the impact on the planet, then you’ll be looking for one that treads as lightly as possible on this fragile earth.
The ultimate green car, of course, is an electric one. When “fuelled” from a renewable source of electricity, such as the solar panels on your roof your carbon emissions are zero, zilch and nothing-at-all. They’re also very nice things to drive, with instant torque and an all-encompassing silence as you travel down the road with a self-righteous smile on your dial.
The range of electric cars is improving all the time and that other drawback – recharging times – are also getting shorter.
But there’s still one problem with electric cars, and it’s a big one – the cost. They may be getting cheaper, but it’s not happening very fast, and compared to internal combustion engines they’re still very expensive.
Take the Hyundai Kona, for example. The base model Kona with its internal combustion engine starts at $26,600. The 2020 Kona Electric starts from $60,470 before on-road costs. Ouch!
For many people an electric car still doesn’t make economic sense even though it makes environmental sense. But all is not lost if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly vehicle, because there are a range of vehicles that are not only kinder on the planet, but they’re also kinder on your budget. That’s a win-win if ever there was one.
Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, providing a good combination of performance and economy with none of the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles.
The vehicle is powered by either the electric motor, the internal combustion engine or a combination of the pair working together.
The experience of owning a hybrid is identical to owning any internal combustion vehicle. When the fuel gets low you simply fill it up again and drive off. The vehicle charges its own battery.
Choice
While the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology, today there are many hybrids on Australia’s roads, including the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, Toyota Corolla hybrid, the hybrid version of the Toyota RAV4 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid, allowing the driver to plug in and charge the battery, allowing for up to 54 kilometres of electric-only driving. The Hyundai Ioniq PHEV is similar, offering up to 63 kilometres electric-only range.
While the purchase price of hybrid models is higher than their internal combustion equivalents it’s nowhere near as high as comparable electric only vehicles.
The Ioniq Hybrid Elite, for example, sells for about $35,000. That’s a bit of a premium compared to Hyundai’s i30 Hatch at $25,490, but quite a bit lower than the pure electric Ioniq, which will set you back at least $53, 362.
While you pay a premium on the price for a hybrid vehicle you really win when it comes to those fuel costs and environmental impact.
The Ioniq hybrid sips fuel at a rate of just 3.9L/100km and emits 102-105g/km CO2. The i30 hatch by comparison uses 7.4L/100km and emits 133.9g/km CO2. The diesel i30 uses 5.6L/100km and emits 119g/kmCO2.
Figures for the plug-in hybrid variant of the Ioniq could be considered a bit “rubbery” because of its ability to drive up to 63 kilometres on electric only. So your driving pattern can have a big impact on your fuel consumption and emissions. Nevertheless, its official figures are an impressive 1.1L/100km with emissions of just 26g/km CO2.
With their practicality, fuel economy and green credentials, as well as the increasing number of models on offer, it’s no surprise that hybrids are gaining market share, especially as fleet vehicles. They’re saving fleet owners money and they’re better for the environment as well.
Hybrid vehicles in your fleet make a lot of sense, so if you’re considering one, we can help!
Interested in making a greener choice for your personal vehicle? With Fleetcare Novated Lease, you can salary package the cost of your new car and all its running costs. Not only will you be doing your part in protecting and preserving our environment, but you will also save thousands at the same time! Why not call Fleetcare today on 134 333 and let us put over 30 years’ experience at your service.