Benefits of Hybrid and EVs in 2023

As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, Volvo is expanding its lineup of hybrid and all-electric vehicles to remain at the forefront of progress and change. At Volvo Cars Palo Alto, we're proud to contribute to a more sustainable future. Further to offering a wide selection of eco-friendly Volvo vehicles, we want to help drivers in Palo Alto, California, determine whether going hybrid or electric is right for them. Check out this helpful guide to find out why you should consider getting a hybrid or electric vehicle.

What Are the Benefits of Driving a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle?

Unlike a regular gasoline-powered car, a hybrid or electric vehicle partly or entirely relies on electricity to help you travel from one place to another. Reducing or eliminating the amount of fossil fuel your car uses means you can do your bit to protect the environment while reaping an array of great benefits, from tax credits to lower maintenance costs. Below are some of the advantages of buying a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Environmental Benefits

If you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle, you'll help reduce smog pollution and greenhouse gases that harm the environment. More than 90% of Californians reside in areas that fail to meet federal or state health-based air-quality standards. Breathing such polluted air leads to harmful health effects, especially among children and the elderly. Like other parts of the world, California is experiencing the impact of climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions, which threatens many aspects of human life.

As they don't produce any tailpipe emissions, electric cars dramatically lower smog and greenhouse gas levels, even after taking electricity generation into consideration. Hybrid cars emit more pollution than their electric counterparts, but they're still substantially more eco-friendly than gas-powered models, especially when idling. Once a hybrid vehicle comes to a stop, its internal combustion engine shuts down immediately to save fuel. It then uses its battery to power the climate control system, audio, and other electrical components. This continues until the car starts moving at a speed that requires the gas engine to ignite.

Tax Incentives When Purchasing an Electric Vehicle

One of the main benefits of purchasing or leasing an electric or hybrid vehicle is the array of tax incentives that come with them, which can substantially reduce your upfront costs. Depending on its battery capacity, a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle may be eligible for a federal tax credit of $2,500 to $7,500. If you're leasing a vehicle, the credit goes to the automaker. However, a dealership will usually factor this credit into your lease, resulting in a lower down payment or reduced monthly payments.

Besides federal tax credit programs, you may be able to take advantage of California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) to save even more money. This program offers up to $7,000 in rebates to buyers and lessees of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The CVRP program offers rebates to California residents who purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle and meet certain income requirements. Applicants who have low-to-moderate household incomes receive higher rebate amounts. In addition, your local air district or utility may provide rebates or incentives for buying an electric or hybrid vehicle or installing a home-charging station.

Lower Car Ownership Costs

As the owner of a hybrid vehicle, you'll spend considerably less on gas than someone who drives a conventional vehicle because you can switch from gas to electric mode in certain situations. Whenever you're driving at a low speed, your car can run solely on battery power to reduce fuel consumption. Getting a hybrid vehicle is especially beneficial if you have a long commute or frequently drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Electric vehicles are even more cost effective than hybrid vehicles, as they eliminate the need to fill up at the gas station. Although you still need to pay for electricity to charge your vehicle, you can expect to save about 50% on fuel costs. Most drivers charge their electric vehicle overnight at home and wake up to a fully charged battery. With the wide availability of public charging stations across the country, it's now more convenient than ever to charge your electric car.

You'll also enjoy lower maintenance and repair costs if you buy an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles have far fewer moving components compared with their gas-powered counterparts, so they're less likely to run into problems. They don't need oil changes, fuel filter changes, or spark plug replacements, which makes them easier and cheaper to maintain. Electric vehicles also use a regenerative braking system that uses the electric motor to reduce speed, meaning that the brake pads last longer.

Enhanced Driving Experience in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Many people think that hybrid and electric vehicles are boring to drive, but that isn't true. In fact, these vehicles are capable of delivering punchier performance than many gas-powered cars. Unlike gas engines, which need some time to reach maximum power, the electric motors in hybrid and electric cars can produce peak torque instantaneously, allowing you to accelerate quickly from a standstill.

Furthermore, electric and hybrid vehicles offer great handling. The battery pack helps distribute the car's weight and lowers the center of gravity, resulting in a more stable and composed ride. As such, they can negotiate sharp corners and winding roads with minimal body lean. This not only reduces rollover risk but also contributes to a more exciting driving experience.

Whether you're looking for a small sedan or spacious SUV, you're sure to find a hybrid or pure electric vehicle at Volvo Cars Palo Alto that suits your driving needs and lifestyle. Our dealership has one of the largest inventories of Volvo vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we can provide you with the hybrid or electric Volvo of your dreams with minimal waiting. We also offer competitive prices, attractive discounts, and low-interest financing and leasing deals to help you get a great deal. If you want to arrange a test drive, please don't hesitate to contact us online or give us a call at (650) 353-4700.

  1. Volvo Cars Palo Alto

    4190 El Camino Real
    Palo Alto, CA 94306

    • Sales: (650) 353-4700
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