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(NC)-Hybrid vehicles have caused a stir, and speculation abounds about how they work, how much they cost to buy, maintain and insure. Some of it is fact, but some of it is simply rumour.
A hybrid has to be plugged in
Rumour. The current available hybrids do not need to be plugged in. Basically, the way it works is the battery is recharged while you drive, from energy normally lost over the course of operating the car.
Hybrid batteries need to be replaced frequently
Fiction. Hybrid batteries are designed to work for the lifetime of the vehicle which is why many manufacturers offer impressive warranties. Toyota for example, offers an 8-year (or 160,000 km) warranty coverage on their Prius and Highlander hybrid-related components.
The only hybrids available are the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius
False. There are a number of hybrids to choose from, including cars, SUVs and pick-ups. Whatever your preference, chances are you can find a hybrid version. The most popular hybrids, as quoted online for auto insurance through www.kanetix.ca, show how diverse the selection is:
1. Honda Civic Hybrid
2. Toyota Prius
3. Toyota Camry
4. Lexus RX 400h
5. Ford Escape Hybrid
6. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
7. Honda Accord Hybrid
8. Honda Insight
9. Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
10. Lexus GS 450h
11. Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
12. GMC Sierra Hybrid
Hybrids cost more to buy
True. While fuel efficiency is a bonus at the pumps, it comes at the cost of a slightly more expensive vehicle, usually several thousand dollars. The good news here though is if you live in British Columbia, Ontario or Prince Edward Island you may be eligible to receive a tax rebate varying from $1,000 to $3,000.
Hybrids cost more to insure
Not necessarily. After comparing online quotes at www.kanetix.ca, for the Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid it appears there is no one particular insurance trend when it comes to hybrid insurance rates. Compared to their gas-powered alter-egos, the cost to insure a hybrid vehicle was neither consistently higher nor lower.