Compare Electric Car Insurance
- Compare 100+ car insurers in one place
- A quick and easy quote process
- Independent and unbiased service
Hybrid Car Insurance
A hybrid is unlike a fully electric vehicle as it utilises a battery-powered motor alongside a petrol or diesel engine. Because they use both energy sources to run, they have lower emissions, and there are some hybrids which can be charged in the same was as electric cars. There are a couple of types of hybrid vehicles to be aware of:
Mild Hybrids (MHEV)
A mild hybrid electric vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with a battery and electric motor. They aren’t capable of driving on the electric power alone, and can’t be charged externally. However, the system works to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. While coasting or braking, the electric motor stores this energy to assist later, when the engine is in need of assistance - for example when accelerating.
Full Hybrids
A full hybrid car also has both an ICE and electric motor - the difference here is that these vehicles can run on the electric motor, or the combustion engine, or both. As with a MHEV, it can’t be charged at the mains, and is powered by the energy stored from braking. Because they can drive using electric power alone (for a short distance), and use start-stop technology when at a standstill, they offer better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV)
As with all hybrid cars, a plug-in hybrid combines an ICE engine with an electric drive motor. They can be driven for distances of up to 50 miles using electric power only, and can also be charged using an external power source. If you run out of charge, a plug-in will switch to hybrid mode and operate much like a full hybrid. These types of hybrids massively reduce emissions and fuel costs.
Owning A Hybrid Vehicle
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Hybrids are fuel-efficient in comparison with their ICE-only counterparts. The electric motor captures the energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. But you do still have the option to use the conventional engine, so you don’t have to worry about getting too far away from a charging point (for a PHEV). | Hybrid vehicles are generally more expensive than a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle. Although with time, as more hybrids are produced, this may change. You may also find that the amount you might have spent on fuel can offset this cost. |
| The power and performance of hybrid models is constantly changing to enhance acceleration, reduce noise pollution, and overall performance. | The driving range on a hybrid vehicle tends to be limited when using electric-only driving. Longer journeys are much the same as using a standard engine, unless using a PHEV. |
| Naturally, because of how a hybrid works, they are better for the environment. Fewer emissions, lower oil dependence, and a contribution to sustainability means that they produce less pollution and as a result, can qualify for cheaper road tax or congestion charges. | Hybrids can be more expensive to repair than normal vehicles due to the need for specialist parts and mechanics. The batteries can also be expensive to replace outside of warranty. |
Cheap.co.uk streamlines finding hybrid car insurance, saving you time and money. You can easily get a comparison of quotes from multiple insurers all in one place, so you can find affordable coverage efficiently and make an informed decision without the hassle of going through individual insurers. Look forward and get a quote now!
Other car insurance articles which you may be interested in...
Electric Car Insurance: FAQs -
Get electric car insurance help and advice from Cheap.co.uk with our frequently asked questions.
Buying vs. Leasing Your EV Battery -
Consider your finances, driving habits, and approach to sustainability to help you make the decision to buy or lease your electric vehicle battery.
Electric Car Insurance: Help & Hints -
Here are some helpful tips and hints on how to save on your electric car insurance using Cheap.co.uk.
