Hybrid Cars vs. Petrol Cars: Which is Cheaper?

Jawad

16 May 2024

309

Hybrid Cars vs. Petrol Cars: Which is Cheaper?

In Pakistan, hybrid cars are often viewed as excellent fuel-saving options. However, their benefits can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the vehicle's daily usage, the frequency of long trips, the intended duration of ownership, the resale value, the fuel economy difference between hybrid and non-hybrid variants, and the cost of hybrid batteries.

Evaluating Hybrid Car Ownership

If you drive 50-80 km daily and plan to keep your car for 3-8 years, investing in a hybrid vehicle (HEV) can be cost-effective. However, if your daily usage is lower, such as 20-40 km, and you plan to own the car for only 1-2 years, a hybrid might not be worthwhile. It's crucial to understand that hybrids are most efficient in urban settings with frequent stops and starts. On highways, their fuel economy is similar to that of non-hybrids.

When is an HEV Worth the Investment?

An HEV can be a money saver if your daily driving exceeds 50 km, you purchase a new HEV, plan to sell it within 3-5 years, and choose a model with good resale value. Conversely, if you drive less than 50 km daily, buy a used Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle, plan to keep the car for less than 2 or more than 5 years, or don't care about resale value, an HEV may not offer low-cost ownership. The initial high investment may not be justified by the savings.

High Daily Usage and Long Ownership

For a person driving 70 km daily and keeping the car for 5 years, the HEV variant can save approximately Rs.1.1 million PKR compared to a non-HEV variant. This is due to the higher fuel efficiency of hybrids, despite the higher initial cost and battery depreciation.

Low Daily Usage and Short Ownership

For those driving 30 km daily and planning to sell the car after 1.5 years, the savings with an HEV amount to around Rs.200,000 PKR. However, this saving might not justify the significantly higher initial investment in a hybrid vehicle, given the modest daily savings.

The Cost of New HEV Vehicles

Typically, an HEV costs about 2 million PKR more than its non-HEV counterpart. For instance, in the Pakistani market, the MG HS non-HEV is priced at 8.1 million PKR, while the HEV variant is 12 million PKR. Similarly, the Haval Jolion and Haval H6 have noticeable price differences between their non-HEV and HEV versions.

Used JDM Hybrids: A Risky Investment?

Opting for used JDM hybrids may not always be cost-effective. These vehicles often have worn-out batteries or non-genuine replacements, and many have been through multiple owners. While some JDM hybrids can offer a decent experience, they are not the best choice for those focused on long-term fuel and ownership cost savings.

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of older JDM hybrids, consider new local cars with good fuel efficiency like the Honda City or Suzuki Swift. Alternatively, expanding your budget for a locally assembled HEV like the Jolion could be a better option. However, be cautious with old JDM hybrids like the Toyota Aqua and Prius, as they may not be economical in the long run.

Hybrid Cars Petrol Cars Hybrid vs Petrol Petrol vs Hybrid Hybrid cars cost Petrol cars expense Ownership cost comparison Fuel efficiency comparison Hybrid savings Car cost analysis Vehicle ownership costs Petrol car expenses

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