Petrol Car Vs Hybrid Car: Which is Right for You?

Posted on: Jan 17, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Petrol Car Vs Hybrid Car: Which is Right for You?

Do you want to save time? Well, buying a car is one of the best ways of saving time in the long run. Buying a car will also relieve you from the anxiety related to booking cabs. You can start for work or any other needs at your will and not rely on any other factors. A crucial part of car ownership is regular maintenance, which includes a car insurance policy.

There are a host of other perks of buying a car, such as the ability to go on road trips, being free to go anywhere at any time, the sheer convenience of having your vehicle and being a perfect mode of transport for a family.

A couple of manufacturers have recently launched hybrid cars in India. Thus, making them more accessible and bringing up the obvious comparison between hybrid cars and petrol cars. Here is everything that you need to know.

How do hybrid cars work?

A hybrid car usually has one or more electric motors in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. These cars also have batteries, which power the electric motors. A fully hybrid car operates a bit differently as compared to electric vehicles. The batteries on the car change with the help of regenerative braking and with the help of the internal combustion engine.

The additional power that is generated by the car, leads to smaller engines being used. It also aids in better fuel efficiency of the car. This primarily occurs because the car can run in complete electric mode when it is at slower speeds. The battery power of the car can be used to handle auxiliary loads of the car as well.

Irrespective of whether you choose a hybrid car or a petrol car, opting for ZERO DEPRECIATION CAR INSURANCE cover can be quite useful. It will offer the maximum coverage for your car in the event of any incidents.

Hybrid cars pros and cons:

As is the case with any technology, there are a few pros and cons. Here are the pros and cons of hybrid cars.

A. Pros:

The biggest advantage of opting for a hybrid car is fuel efficiency. The car can run entirely on battery for short distances and periods. Thereby reducing your trips to the fuel pumps by a small margin. However, over a period, this can lead to significant savings. And more importantly, you will have a lower carbon footprint as well.

B. Cons:

Hybrid cars have technology that is not all that easy to build or assemble. Thus, the cost of buying a hybrid car is relatively higher than petrol models. Since the cars are a lot more complicated, it also increases the maintenance cost. And in some cases, it can result in lower power outputs, which might not be desirable for someone who drives a lot on the highways. Since the cars are a bit more expensive, it leads to higher IDV, which can increase the policy premium of the car.

How do petrol cars work?

Petrol cars use an internal combustion engine which is spark ignited. In a spark-ignited car, air and fuel are combined in the combustion chamber. The fuel and air combination are ignited with a spark from the spark plug. This then results in combustion that powers the car.

Petrol cars pros and cons

Petrol-powered cars have been around for a long time now. Thus, getting to their pros and cons is relatively easy. When you choose a petrol car, here is what you can expect.

A. Pros:

Petrol cars are one of the most affordable ones when compared with diesel cars, EVs or even hybrid cars. Petrol-powered cars are a bit more responsive to throttle changes than other cars and warrant a lower maintenance cost. Petrol cars also respond well to extreme temperatures such as extreme cold or heat.

B. Cons:

One of the biggest disadvantages of petrol cars is their fuel efficiency. The low fuel efficiency, along with frequent maintenance, increases the cost of ownership. Also, petrol cars depreciate a bit over time, resulting in a lower resale value.

Cost of hybrid cars vs petrol cars:

Petrol cars are one of the most affordable cars when you compare them with the other types of cars available in the market. Diesel-based cars have a healthy premium over petrol cars, whereas electric and hybrid cars are significantly more expensive.

Since the technology in use is a bit complicated in hybrid cars, the regular maintenance costs are higher than in petrol-powered cars. The higher price tag also results in a higher IDV or insured declared value of the car. As a result, the insurance premiums for car insurance will also be relatively higher for hybrid cars.

Get the right coverage for your car:

The insurance market in India is constantly growing and maturing simultaneously. More options are available now if you want to buy car insurance policies. You can choose from a third-party liability-only, comprehensive, or pay-as-you-drive policy. Here are a few simple steps to help you decide which is the best option.

1. Understanding your needs:

Third party car insurance is the minimum requirement as per the laws and is the most affordable policy. However, it lacks features and benefits. A comprehensive car insurance plan offers more coverage but comes at a higher cost as well. A zero depreciation car insurance offers the most value for your money, considering the benefits. Pay as you drive is a relatively new product, where you can choose the distance that you intend to drive for the year and only pay for that. It can lower your insurance premiums considerably.

2. Comparison helps:

By comparing different plans on offer, you can assess better which plan makes more sense. You will get to know the features and benefits on offer for different policies. Comparison will also help you bring down the cost of a policy.

3. Choosing add-ons:

Add-ons increase the insurance premium by a small margin. However, in the long run, they will help you save money. Zero depreciation car insurance is one of the most beneficial add-ons, as it ensures you receive compensation for the entire amount without depreciation eating into claims.

Conclusion

As the norms for diesel cars are getting stringent, car manufacturers have started relying on petrol cars and making them more efficient. As a result, some manufacturers are now launching hybrid cars. Hybrid cars are ideal for the transformation phase, as you do not have to charge them regularly, yet they offer higher fuel efficiency than petrol cars. But they come with a higher price tag. Thus, opting for zero depreciation car insurance will ensure adequate coverage for a hybrid car.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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