Hybrid Car Leasing Pros and Cons

What are the benefits of leasing a hybrid car?

Leasing a hybrid car offers several advantages, including improved fuel efficiency and lower running costs. Hybrids combine a traditional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor, allowing you to use less fuel, especially in stop-start traffic or short city journeys. For business and personal users, hybrids also tend to have lower CO₂ emissions, which can reduce road tax and Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax for company car drivers. Leasing provides access to the latest hybrid models without the long-term commitment of ownership, offering flexibility and the opportunity to upgrade to new technology as it evolves.

What are the potential downsides of hybrid car leasing?

While leasing a hybrid car has many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Limited Electric Range: Most standard hybrids offer limited electric-only driving range, meaning you'll still rely on the petrol engine for longer journeys.
• Charging Considerations for Plug-In Hybrids: If you lease a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), you'll need access to a charging point to maximise the benefits of the electric motor. Without regular charging, you may not see the full fuel savings.
• Depreciation Factors: Although leasing removes concerns about long-term depreciation, hybrid cars may still depreciate more quickly than electric cars, potentially influencing lease rates.

How do hybrid cars perform compared to petrol and electric?

Hybrid cars offer a balanced performance between petrol and electric vehicles:

• Fuel Efficiency: Hybrids are more fuel-efficient than petrol cars, especially in city driving, where the electric motor can take over in low-speed situations. However, they are generally less efficient than fully electric cars, which use no fuel at all.
• Range: Hybrid cars provide the best of both worlds with the ability to run on electric power in short bursts, while the petrol engine offers extended range for long trips. Unlike fully electric vehicles, hybrids don’t rely on charging infrastructure for long-distance driving.
• Driving Experience: Hybrids deliver a smoother driving experience in urban areas due to the quiet operation of the electric motor. However, on longer trips or at higher speeds, the petrol engine takes over, making the experience similar to that of a conventional petrol car.
• Emissions: While hybrids produce fewer emissions than petrol cars, they are not as environmentally friendly as electric vehicles, which have zero tailpipe emissions.

Overall, hybrids offer a compromise between the familiarity and convenience of petrol cars and the eco-friendliness of electric vehicles.

What are the maintenance costs like for hybrids?

Hybrid cars tend to have lower maintenance costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The electric motor reduces the wear and tear on the petrol engine, extending the life of key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes. Additionally, hybrids often use regenerative braking, which reduces brake wear. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, brake servicing, and general upkeep, may be less frequent due to the dual power systems.