The most frequently asked questions on the sales forecourt are whether diesel, petrol and the fossil fuel cars are on the way out? Will electric cars ever take off and whether hybrid cars are the way of the future.
Here are 7 good reasons why I believe in the hybrid model...
The first and most obvious factor is the benefit to the environment. We know we have to make changes to reduce our Carbon emissions and we know we have to make those changes now. New car emissions must be cut by 30% in line with EU regulations. This makes complete sense. I look at my own 2 year old daughter and know that we must take practical and realistic steps for her generation and for generations to come. The technological advances over the past few years are and will continue to allow us to do that. A hybrid car has a real place in bringing us to green motoring.
There are real big savings to be made when you drive a hybrid car, particularly if driving regularly in urban areas. While they may seem a tad expensive to buy, the outlay is worth it as running costs are lower, and for many it is a question of paying a bit more to be environmentally cleaner. There is likely to be guaranteed incentives from the government and from the manufacturers in the coming years, as the deadline for the electric and zero emissions by 2030 (Irish Government) and 2040 (The EU date). One of the main advantages of a Hybrid car is the tax exemptions.
It cannot be denied that the Hybrid models are incredibly stylish. We are Toyota fans at Peter Hanley Motors and we have been delighted to see the evolution of the range from the initial, functional Hybrids to the sheer class of the Toyota Prius.
The new Hybrids are a celebration of automotive engineering. The Hybrid combines petrol engine and an electric motor. Petrol engines have always been less troublesome. Our own workshop has always been dominated by diesel related problems and the famous DPF filter. We would expect the Hybrid to be less troublesome overall. They are smooth, quiet, yet impressively powerful cars to drive, giving a great performance overall. Of course all Hybrid cars are automatic, and anyone who knows me, knows I am a big fan of automatics and driver comfort. It is a testament to the reliability that extensive warranties are now part of most hybrid deals. A sure sign of complete confidence in the product.
The range of the electric car has been a real barrier to Irish drivers. A lack of charge points and the limited range makes a full electric vehicle a difficult choice, particularly for the rural driver. This is not an issue for the Hybrid. A smooth transition from electric to petrol when it is needed, takes the edge and anxiety out of greener driving.
As Hybrid and self-charging Hybrid cars become more popular, the diversity and choice in the models available are increasing. The Diesel hybrid, the mild hybrid, the plug in hybrid, to mention just a few of the variables. Manufacturers know that driving hybrid is the most popular, practical and feasible way forward for reducing car carbon emissions, and they are certainly putting the effort into the cars themselves. We are now seeing a very high spec level on all hybrid models making them a coveted and desirable choice for any car buyer.
If you love cars (and I do!) and engines (I do!) then you cannot help but be impressed with the interesting on board technology of the hybrid car. The distribution from petrol engine to electric motor. The drive chain! For anyone interested in engineering, these innovations that are set to take us to a future that will not include the internal combustion engine are fascinating. Ask me more about that one on the sales forecourt!
As EU deadlines, and Irish Government deadlines call a death knell for older combustible cars, it makes sense to embrace the Hybrid cars. But even without the official incentives, deterrents and targets, there is a growing realisation that we must reduce our greenhouse emissions. The good news is that it doesn’t mean losing out on style, performance or reliability. Drop in to us or pick up the phone if you think a hybrid might be the car for you. As always, the door is always open and the welcome is always warm. 
Peter Hanley Motors is a registered
member of The Society of the Irish
Motor Industry
