Is hybrid good or bad?

Is hybrid good or bad?

Are the hybrid engines good and are they good or bad on fuel

Our answer:

Hi Sean,

There's no simple answer to that question, mainly because there are so many different types of hybrid power these days, from basic 'mild-hybrid' assistance of petrol and diesel engines to 'normal' hybrids (referred to as 'self-charging' hybrids by Toyota and others) to plug-in hybrids. They all have their advantages and disadvantages and can be economical in certain circumstances.

Our experience suggests that normal hybrids are at their best at low speeds, though a diesel is usually more economical on a long journey where a high consistent speed is maintained. Plug-in hybrids only really make sense if you can top up their battery from an external source on a frequent basis - i.e. the longer between charge-ups, the less economical they are. 

Shane O'Donoghue

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